Adrenal . Patient guide
DHEA-Sulfate (DHEAS)
Also known as: Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate
What is DHEAS
DHEA-sulfate is the storage form of DHEA, the most abundant androgen made by the adrenal glands. It is the most stable single marker of adrenal androgen output and a useful index of overall adrenal hormone production.
This biomarker entry is being clinically reviewed by our team. The factual content draws on UK guidance (NICE, NHS, Royal Colleges and the relevant speciality society where cited).
Reference range
Reported in µmol/L (also seen as µg/dL (divide µmol/L by 0.0272 for µg/dL)). Final reports always carry the issuing laboratory's range, which is what your clinician will interpret against.
| Group | Range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Men 20 to 30 | 6.0 to 13.4 | µmol/L; declines significantly with age |
| Men 30 to 40 | 4.3 to 12.2 | |
| Men 40 to 50 | 3.7 to 9.8 | |
| Men 50 to 60 | 2.4 to 8.9 | |
| Women 20 to 30 | 4.0 to 11.0 | |
| Women 30 to 40 | 3.0 to 9.0 | |
| Women 40 to 50 | 2.0 to 7.0 | |
| Postmenopausal women | 0.8 to 4.0 |
What it is
DHEA is produced by the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex and converted to its sulfated storage form DHEAS in the liver. Unlike free DHEA (which fluctuates through the day), DHEAS has a long half-life and gives a stable single-draw reading. Both forms act as upstream precursors that can be converted in peripheral tissues to testosterone, DHT, and oestradiol.
Why a clinician would order it
DHEAS is checked when investigating the source of androgen excess (acne, hirsutism, scalp hair loss in women), as part of a comprehensive hormone panel for unexplained fatigue and low libido, in suspected adrenal insufficiency alongside cortisol, and increasingly in the work-up of women presenting with pattern hair loss to identify whether the androgen drive is ovarian or adrenal.
If your level is outside the range
Symptoms of low DHEAS
- Fatigue, low energy
- Low libido (women particularly)
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Loss of axillary and pubic hair (late sign)
- Low mood
What low can indicate. Age-related decline (the most common cause), adrenal insufficiency, hypopituitarism, prolonged steroid use, or simply being in the lower end of normal genetic distribution.
Symptoms of high DHEAS
- Acne (adult onset, often along jawline)
- Hirsutism (unwanted facial or body hair, women)
- Scalp hair thinning in androgen-sensitive areas (crown, temples)
- Irregular periods
- Skin oiliness
What high can indicate. Adrenal source of androgen excess (rather than ovarian), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (non-classical, mild form often presents in adulthood), PCOS / PMOS in some cases (though testosterone is the more typical marker), or rarely an adrenal tumour if levels are very high.
Testing tips
No fasting required. DHEAS is stable through the day so timing is flexible, unlike cortisol. Report any DHEA supplement use (over-the-counter in the US, prescription-only in the UK) as supplementation will raise levels. Levels naturally decline with age, so the reference range is age and sex specific and your result should always be interpreted against your age group, not a single universal range.
Where you can get this tested
DHEA-Sulfate is included in the following WMG Health panels. Same-day appointments at our Harley Street clinic, with results clinician-reviewed.
Want a specific combination of markers we do not have a panel for? Build a custom panel and our clinicians will design one for you.
Looking to book a test?
Private adrenal function blood test
Morning cortisol + DHEA-S + testosterone + SHBG, drawn 8 to 9 AM for accurate HPA-axis interpretation. From £180. Adrenal Function Panel £299.
Symptoms often investigated with DHEA-Sulfate
DHEA-Sulfate is commonly tested when patients present with the following symptoms. If any of these resonate with you, the linked guides explain what to look for and which test pathway is appropriate.
Sources
UK guidance our clinicians use when interpreting this marker.
This page is general patient information, not personal medical advice. A GMC-registered clinician will review your results and tailor any interpretation to you. See our Editorial Policy for how we write and review content.
Common questions about DHEAS
What is a normal DHEAS range?
Men 20 to 30: 6.0 to 13.4 (µmol/L; declines significantly with age). Men 30 to 40: 4.3 to 12.2. Men 40 to 50: 3.7 to 9.8. Men 50 to 60: 2.4 to 8.9. Women 20 to 30: 4.0 to 11.0. Women 30 to 40: 3.0 to 9.0. Women 40 to 50: 2.0 to 7.0. Postmenopausal women: 0.8 to 4.0. Always interpret your own results against the laboratory range printed on your report, since assay-specific reference ranges vary.
What does a low DHEAS result mean?
Age-related decline (the most common cause), adrenal insufficiency, hypopituitarism, prolonged steroid use, or simply being in the lower end of normal genetic distribution.
What does a high DHEAS result mean?
Adrenal source of androgen excess (rather than ovarian), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (non-classical, mild form often presents in adulthood), PCOS / PMOS in some cases (though testosterone is the more typical marker), or rarely an adrenal tumour if levels are very high.
Do I need to fast or prepare for the DHEAS blood test?
No fasting required. DHEAS is stable through the day so timing is flexible, unlike cortisol. Report any DHEA supplement use (over-the-counter in the US, prescription-only in the UK) as supplementation will raise levels. Levels naturally decline with age, so the reference range is age and sex specific and your result should always be interpreted against your age group, not a single universal range.
Can I order a DHEAS blood test privately in London?
Yes. WMG Health offers DHEAS as part of bespoke panels and several pre-built panels at our 134 Harley Street clinic. Results are clinician-reviewed by a GMC-registered doctor within 4 hours for the most common assays. Bespoke panels from £180; bookings via /contact/ or 020 3239 3378.