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  • Clinical Significance
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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

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
Test Details
Clinical Significance

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
Lab Values
Treatment Options

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
Clinical Significance