- Made mostly by
- Adrenal glands
- Role
- Precursor to testosterone and estrogen
- With age
- Declines gradually after young adulthood
- Fasting needed?
- Usually no
What it does
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and its sulfated form, DHEA-S, are weak androgens. On their own they have modest effects, but tissues throughout the body can convert them into more potent hormones, including testosterone and estradiol. Smaller amounts come from the ovaries and testes.
Labs usually measure DHEA-S rather than DHEA because DHEA-S is more stable in the blood and doesn't swing as much over the day.
How levels change with age
DHEA-S rises sharply around puberty, stays relatively high in young adulthood and then declines gradually with age. This drop is normal. What it means for health is still unclear; researchers haven't established that the decline itself causes symptoms of aging.
Why a clinician might test it
DHEA-S is mainly a marker of adrenal androgen production. It may be ordered to:
- Investigate signs of excess androgens in women, such as unwanted facial or body hair, acne or irregular periods.
- Help evaluate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
- Look for a rare adrenal tumor when androgen levels are very high.
- Assess adrenal function as part of a broader hormone workup.
What results can suggest
A high level may point to PCOS, congenital adrenal hyperplasia or, rarely, an adrenal or ovarian tumor. A low level can reflect adrenal insufficiency or a pituitary problem, but it's also expected with normal aging. Like most hormone tests, results are read alongside symptoms and other labs such as testosterone, SHBG and, when relevant, cortisol.
About DHEA supplements
DHEA is sold over the counter in the U.S. as a dietary supplement, so products aren't held to drug standards and their content can vary. It's often marketed as an anti-aging product, but there's no reliable evidence for those claims, and it can cause side effects such as acne and unwanted hair growth because the body turns it into sex hormones. It's banned in sport at all times under anti-doping rules.
One prescription DHEA product is FDA-approved: vaginal prasterone, used for painful sex caused by menopause. If you're thinking about taking DHEA, talk to a clinician first, especially if you have a history of a hormone-sensitive cancer.
Clinicians sometimes check DHEA-S before and during hormone treatment to understand where your baseline sits. A result on its own rarely changes treatment; it's most useful as part of a wider picture that includes your symptoms, your other hormone levels and your goals.
DHEA-S: common questions
What's the difference between DHEA and DHEA-S?
DHEA-S is DHEA with a sulfate group attached. It circulates in larger amounts and is steadier through the day, which makes it easier to measure.
Is low DHEA-S a reason to take supplements?
Not by itself. A gradual decline is normal with age, and there's no reliable evidence that supplements reverse aging.
Do I need to fast for a DHEA-S test?
No special preparation is usually needed. Tell your clinician about any hormone or supplement products you take.
Can women have high DHEA-S?
Yes. Elevated DHEA-S in women can be linked to PCOS or adrenal conditions and may cause acne, extra hair growth or irregular periods.
Is DHEA allowed for athletes?
No. DHEA is on the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited list in and out of competition.
Is there an FDA-approved DHEA product?
Yes, vaginal prasterone is approved to treat painful intercourse caused by menopause. Oral DHEA supplements are not FDA-approved drugs.
Sources
We cite government agencies, professional societies and peer-reviewed research. See our editorial policy.
- DHEA Sulfate TestMedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- Aging changes in hormone productionMedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- What should athletes know about DHEA?U.S. Anti-Doping Agency
- Practice Pearl: Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (2020)The Menopause Society