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DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S)
The most abundant adrenal androgen. Its long half-life makes it a stable marker of adrenal androgen production in women and children.
Other names: DHEA-S, DHEA sulfateSection: Hormones
Updated: August 31, 2026·MedProtect editorial team Reference information — not a diagnosis or a prescription
In shortDHEA-S is produced almost entirely by the adrenal glands. Typical references for women aged 18–29 are 45–320 µg/dL (1.2–8.7 µmol/L), for men of the same age 110–510 µg/dL (3.0–13.8 µmol/L); levels fall with age. Elevation points to an adrenal source of androgen excess.
Reference ranges
Group
Reference range
Women 18–29 — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
45–320 µg/dL (1.2–8.7 µmol/L)
Women 30–39 — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
40–325 µg/dL (1.1–8.8 µmol/L)
Women 40–49 — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
25–220 µg/dL (0.7–6.0 µmol/L)
Women 50–59 — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
15–170 µg/dL (0.4–4.6 µmol/L)
Men 18–29 — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
110–510 µg/dL (3.0–13.8 µmol/L)
Men 30–39 — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
110–370 µg/dL (3.0–10.0 µmol/L)
Men 40–49 — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
45–345 µg/dL (1.2–9.4 µmol/L)
Men 50–59 — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
25–240 µg/dL (0.7–6.5 µmol/L)
Age ranges from the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (international reference, not a national standard). After 59 the limits are lower (women < 145, men < 204 µg/dL — < 3.9 and < 5.5 µmol/L). The report's reference applies. Reference ranges vary between laboratories and assays — use the range printed on your own lab report.
Check your value
Enter the number from your lab report — see how it compares with the typical range. Mind the units shown in the chosen row.
A rough comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary between laboratories — check the range on your own report and let a clinician interpret the result.
What this marker is
Because of its long half-life, DHEA-S barely fluctuates during the day or the cycle — a practical advantage over testosterone when localizing the source of androgen excess in women with acne, hirsutism, or irregular cycles.
Very high levels raise suspicion of an androgen-producing adrenal tumor; moderately high levels are common in PCOS and late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
When it is high
Congenital adrenal hyperplasiaAdrenal androgen excess with elevated 17-OHP and DHEA-S.
Polycystic ovary syndromeA share of women with PCOS show moderate DHEA-S elevation.
Androgen-producing adrenal tumorsA rare cause of very high values (often above 700–800 µg/dL — 19–22 µmol/L) that calls for imaging.
When it is low
Adrenal insufficiencyLow DHEA-S together with low cortisol indicates adrenal cortex failure.
Age-related declineLevels fall gradually after the third decade — a physiological pattern.
What can skew the result
These factors can shift the value without any disease — worth considering before a retest:
AgeDHEA supplementsStressHormonal medications
How to prepare
Any time of day; fasting is not required. The provider accounts for hormonal medications being taken.
When a retest makes sense
An abnormal result is rechecked as the endocrinologist advises; time of day and cycle phase do not matter.
Who usually reviews this result
A result outside the reference range is usually reviewed by: an endocrinologist; a gynecologist-endocrinologist for women. Bring your lab report and any previous results to the appointment.
Names used on lab reports
Your report may use any of these names: DHEA-SDHEA sulfateDehydroepiandrosterone sulfate
Units and conversion
Measured in: µg/dL
µg/dL=µmol/L
µmol/L = µg/dL × 0.0271. Results are rounded to 2 decimal places.
Several markers on your report?
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