Hormones
What is DHEA-S?
An adrenal hormone that builds your sex hormones
- Unit
- µmol/L
- Sample
- Serum
- Fasting
- No fasting needed
- Turnaround
- 3 days
DHEA-S is an adrenal hormone that provides building blocks for sex hormones. The value is stable through the day, falls naturally with age, and is mainly used to assess hormone balance, for example with increased hair growth or acne in women.
The value is useful in assessing adrenal function and in PCOS work-up in women.
What does low DHEA-S mean?
Low DHEA-S can appear with reduced adrenal function, pituitary disease, corticosteroid treatment, and naturally with increasing age.
What does high DHEA-S mean?
High DHEA-S in women can suggest PCOS or an adrenal disorder.
Panels that measure DHEA-S
- Stress Test Plus
- Male Hormone Test Complete
- Stress Test Complete
More markers in the same area
Launching in Stockholm in 2026.
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This is general information about the marker, not an assessment of your values and not medical advice. Last updated: August 2026.