DHEA-sulfate test

A blood sample is needed.

No special preparation is necessary. However, tell your health care provider if you are taking any vitamins or supplements that contain DHEA or DHEA-sulfate.

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or sting. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.

This test is done to check the function of the two adrenal glands . One of these glands sits above each kidney. They are one of the major sources of androgens in women. Although DHEA-sulfate is the most abundant hormone in the body, its exact function is still not known. In men, the male hormone effect may not be…

Normal blood levels of DHEA-sulfate can differ by sex and age. Typical normal ranges for females are: Ages 18 to 29: 45 to 320 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) or 1.2 to 8.7 micromoles per liter (µmol/L) Ages 30 to 39: 40 to 325 µg/dL or 1.1 to 8.8 µmol/L Ages 40 to 49: 25 to 220 µg/dL or 0.7 to 6.0 µmol/L Ages 50 to…

An increase in DHEA-sulfate may be due to: A common genetic disorder called congenital adrenal hyperplasia . A tumor of the adrenal gland, which can be benign or be a cancer. A common problem in women younger than 50, called polycystic ovary syndrome . Body changes of a girl with puberty happening earlier than normal.…

There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may…

Chen Zi-Chiang, Legro RS, Ehrmann DA, Wei D. Androgen excess disorders in women. In: Robertson RP, ed. DeGroot's Endocrinology . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 124. Haddad NG, Eugster EA. Endocrinology of pubertal disorders. In: Robertson RP, ed. DeGroot's Endocrinology . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA:…