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
$11
Results
1-2 days
Lab Network
Quest
Fasting
Not Required
What's Measured
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
Related Symptoms
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.
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, you'll receive an email from Rupa Health (our lab order partner) within 24 business hours to sign a consent form and schedule your blood draw at a 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
$11
Typical hospital cash price: $120–$180
+ $28 in standard lab & physician fees at checkout (no additional bills later)
$18 lab collection + $10 physician order
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