Should I take DHEA supplements if my levels are low?

Low DHEA-S is often a normal part of aging. DHEA supplements are available over-the-counter, but evidence for benefits is mixed, and supplementation may have side effects including acne, hair loss, and hormonal imbalances. Consult your healthcare provider before supplementing.

What does high DHEA-S mean in women?

Elevated DHEA-S in women can cause symptoms like excess facial/body hair, acne, hair thinning, and irregular periods. Common causes include PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or rarely, adrenal tumors. Further testing may be needed to determine the cause.

Is DHEA-S the same as DHEA?

DHEA and DHEA-S are related but different. DHEA-S is the sulfated, storage form that circulates in higher concentrations and has a longer half-life. The body can convert between the two forms. Blood tests typically measure DHEA-S because its stable levels make interpretation more reliable.

Does DHEA-S affect athletic performance?

DHEA and DHEA-S are banned by most sports organizations as potential performance enhancers because they can convert to testosterone. However, evidence for performance benefits from DHEA supplementation is limited. Natural DHEA-S levels reflect adrenal function rather than training status.

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⚡ Hormones

DHEA-Sulfate (DHEA-S) Blood Test

DHEA-S

DHEA-S is the most abundant hormone in your body and serves as a precursor to testosterone and estrogen. Levels naturally decline with age, making this test useful for assessing adrenal function and hormonal aging.

DHEA-Sulfate (DHEA-S) is a hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands, with small amounts made by the ovaries or testes. It serves as a precursor (building block) for sex hormones including testosterone and estrogen. DHEA-S is the most abundant steroid hormone in the body and remains stable throughout the day, making it a reliable marker of adrenal androgen production. Levels peak in your mid-20s and then gradually decline with age—by age 70-80, levels may be only 10-20% of peak values. This test helps evaluate adrenal function, investigate symptoms of androgen excess or deficiency, and assess overall hormonal health.

Price

$14

All-in

$32

incl. $18 lab & physician fee

Results

1-2 business days

Fasting

Not Required

What's Measured

DHEA-Sulfate

What This Test Measures

This test measures the sulfated form of DHEA (DHEA-S) in your blood. Unlike DHEA itself, which fluctuates throughout the day, DHEA-S has a long half-life and stable levels, providing a reliable snapshot of your adrenal androgen production.

Who Should Consider This Test

Women with symptoms of excess androgens (acne, hirsutism, hair loss), men with low testosterone symptoms, anyone evaluating adrenal function, people interested in hormonal aging markers, those with suspected adrenal tumors, and individuals considering DHEA supplementation.

Health Insights

Conditions Screened

Adrenal insufficiencyPCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)Adrenal tumorsCongenital adrenal hyperplasiaPremature adrenarcheHormonal aging assessment

Related Symptoms

Fatigue and low energyLow libidoDepression or mood changesDifficulty building muscleExcess hair growth in womenAcneMale-pattern hair loss in womenSigns of premature aging

When to Get Tested

No fasting is required. DHEA-S levels are stable throughout the day, so testing can be done at any time. If you are taking DHEA supplements, discuss timing with your healthcare provider.

No fasting needed. How to prepare for your blood test →

Understanding Your Results

Normal ranges vary significantly by age and sex. Women typically have lower levels than men. High DHEA-S in women may suggest PCOS or adrenal tumors, while low levels in either sex may indicate adrenal insufficiency or reflect normal aging. Results should be interpreted in context of age, symptoms, and other hormone levels.

What to Expect

After placing your order, we send it straight to Quest Diagnostics — there is no consent form to sign and no partner email to wait for. Your requisition is usually ready to download from your dashboard within about an hour, and you can book your blood draw at any Quest Diagnostics location.

The blood draw typically takes just a few minutes. Results are usually available within 1-2 business days and will appear in your secure JustLabs dashboard.

Our results include reference ranges and easy-to-understand indicators showing whether your values are within normal limits.

How much does the DHEA-S test cost?

The DHEA-S test costs $14 at JustLabs — $32 all-in, since the $18 lab & physician order fee is charged once per order, however many tests you add. The price is fixed before your blood draw; no insurance or doctor visit needed.

Option	Price	Order all-in	Notes
DHEA-S at JustLabsDrawn at Quest Diagnostics	$14	$32	Includes the one $18 fee, charged once per order

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Frequently Asked Questions

Hormones1 biomarker

Hospital cash price: $120–$180

$14

+ $18 order fee · $32 all-inOne $18 fee per order covers your Quest blood draw and the independent physician order, however many tests you add.

Results in 1-2 business days
No fasting required
Physician order included

No insurance needed · HSA/FSA eligible

Physician-ordered
CLIA-certified Quest lab
Drawn at Quest Diagnostics

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