Dehydroepiandrosterone-s, Serum

Male:

4-9 yrs: 15-80 µg/dL

10-14 yrs: 34-278 µg/dL

15-21 yrs: 92-512 µg/dL

21-99 yrs: 80-560 µg/dL              

Female:

4-9 yrs: 15-80 µg/dL

10-14 yrs: 25-214 µg/dL

15-21 yrs: 111-363 µg/dL

21-99 yrs: 35-430 µg/dL

The test is ordered along with other androgens:

1. To determine if adrenal glands are functioning optimally
2. Helps in diagnosis of tumors related to adrenal glands
3. The test helps in the diagnosis of CAH or congenital adrenal hyperplasia
4. Also helps diagnose hyperplasia which is the enlargement of adrenal glands in adults
5. Helps diagnose the early onset of puberty in boys
6. Used to evaluate infertility in women and in diagnosis of PCOS

1. It is ordered when the doctor suspects excels levels of DHEAS: In women, this leads to no symptoms such as no menstrual periods, male pattern baldness, hirsutism (excess body hair and facial hair), acne, and enlargement of Adam’s apple etc.
2. It is also ordered when the doctor suspects that the adrenal glands are not functioning optimally
3. Ordered when there is ambiguous genitalia
4. Ordered in boys when signs of puberty is observed earlier than what is normal

DHEAS or Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate is a male sex hormone that is present in both men and women. The test measures level of DHEAS in the blood.

Other names: DHEAS test     

DHEAS is a male sex hormone released by the adrenal glands. Any abnormality with the adrenal glands affect the levels of DHEAS in the blood.

Interpretation

DHEA-S is an indicator of adrenal cortex function especially for the differential diagnosis of virilization. Higher levels of DHEAS is seen in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, tumor of the adrenal gland, PCOS, Infertility, etc. Low levels are seen in Addison’s disease, adrenal dysfunction and hypopituitarism