Test Code 1134
Test Details
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S)
DHEA-S is an androgenic steroid secreted by the adrenal cortex and is the major androgen precursor in females.
Methodology
Chemiluminescence
Patient Preparation
None
Preferred Specimen
Green Top Tube
(Lithium Heparin plasma separator tube with gel)
Alternate Specimen
Dried Blood collected on an AdvanceDx 100 card
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)
Stability
Refrigerated: 6 days
Lab Values
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S)
Females
Age | Optimal (µg/dL) |
1 – 4 | 0 – 19.4 |
5 – 9 | 2.8 – 85.2 |
10 – 14 | 33.9 – 280.0 |
15 – 19 | 65.1 – 368.0 |
20 – 24 | 148 – 407.0 |
25 – 34 | 98.8 – 340.0 |
35 – 44 | 60.9 – 337.0 |
45 – 54 | 35.4 – 256.0 |
55 – 64 | 18.9 – 205.0 |
65 – 74 | 9.40 – 246.0 |
≥ 75 | 12.0 – 154.0 |
Male
Age | Optimal (µg/dL) |
1 – 4 | 0 – 19.4 |
5 – 9 | 2.8 – 85.2 |
10 – 14 | 24.4 – 247.0 |
15 – 19 | 70.2 – 492.0 |
20 – 24 | 211 – 492.0 |
25 – 34 | 160 – 449.0 |
35 – 44 | 88.9 – 427.0 |
45 – 54 | 44.3 – 331.0 |
55 – 64 | 51.7 – 295.0 |
65 – 74 | 33.6 – 249.0 |
≥ 75 | 16.2 – 123.0 |
Clinical Significance
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S)
- Elevated DHEA-S values aid in the diagnosis of hirsutism and virilism
- Elevated DHEA-S levels may be useful for the diagnosis of:1-4
- All forms of excess androgen
- Hyperprolactinemia
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Exclusion of an androgen producing tumor of the adrenal cortex
- Genetic enzyme defects of the adrenal cortex (adrenogenital syndrome)
- Hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex as well as androgen producing tumors
- High doses of biotin (> 5 mg/day) may interfere with assay results. Patient assumed to be refraining from biotin supplementation for at least 3 days prior to blood draw.
References:
- Bhasin S, Cunningham GR, Hayes FJ, et al. Testosterone therapy in men with androgen deficiency syndromes: Endocrine Society clinical practice guidelines. J Clin Endorcinol Metab. 2010;95(6):2536-2559.
- Santen RJ, Allred DC, Ardoin SP, et al. Postmenopausal hormone therapy: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(7 Suppl 1):s1-s66.
- Kopper NW, Gudeman J, Thompson DJ. Transdermal hormone therapy in postmenopausal women: a review of the metabolic eff ects and drug delivery technologies. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2008;2:193-202.
- Goodman N, Cobin RH. Reproductive disorders. In: Camacho PM, Gharib H, Sizemore GW, eds. Evidence-Based Endocrinology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2012:190-228.
Treatment Options
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S)
- Identify etiology of elevated DHEA-S levels with physical assessment and additional diagnostic tests as indicated
- Treatment is based on etiology of abnormal hormone level
