Definition
What DHEA-S measures
DHEA-S is the sulfated, longer-lived form of DHEA made mainly by the adrenal glands. It is more stable through the day than cortisol or DHEA itself.
Illustrative sample band · Synthetic
168ug/dL
3.4Sample target 80–350 ug/dL462
Why it matters
How clinicians usually read it
It adds adrenal-androgen context next to testosterone and cortisol. Age-expected ranges are wide; the trend and the rest of the panel matter more than a single percentile.
When it reads low
A lower value can mean
Lower DHEA-S is common with age and can also follow chronic illness or adrenal suppression. It is not, by itself, a reason to start a hormone.
When it reads high
A higher value can mean
Higher DHEA-S can be physiologic, supplement-related, or a signal to look at other androgens. Marked elevations deserve a clinician, not a supplement aisle decision.
Questions for a clinician
Bring the number into a real conversation
01
Is this high or low for my age, or just a wide normal?
02
Are any DHEA or androgen supplements in the picture?
03
Should this be paired with testosterone or a repeat rather than acted on now?
Educational boundary
Educational information only. Displayed ranges are illustrative sample bands, not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for the contracted laboratory report and a qualified clinician.
See it as a sample result
The sample dashboard shows an illustrative reading, target band, and trend for DHEA-S.