Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate
Understanding Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate
What is Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate?
A Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate test evaluates the level of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, two small glands located above your kidneys. This hormone plays a role in producing male and female sex hormones. This test is often done to assess adrenal function and diagnose certain conditions related to hormone imbalance.
DHEAS serves as a precursor to male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. A Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate test is important for evaluating adrenal function, as the adrenal gland plays a vital role in hormone production and contributes to various physiological processes. This test is often used with other hormone tests to comprehensively understand an individual’s endocrine system.
A Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate test is typically suggested when a doctor suspects an imbalance in adrenal gland function or when investigating conditions related to excess or deficient adrenal hormone production.
A Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate test is used to determine whether or not your adrenal glands are functioning correctly and to detect adrenal tumors or cancers. It also helps determine the cause of masculine physical characteristics (virilization) in girls and women or early puberty in boys. In females, a Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate test is done along with other hormones such as Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone(LH), prolactin, estrogen, and testosterone, to help diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and rule out other causes of infertility, lack of menstrual period (amenorrhea), excess hair on the face and body (hirsutism) and other androgen-related disorders. Additionally, a Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate test can be conducted in babies with unclear genital development.
No fasting is required for this test. You can eat and drink normally as per your routine. However, It is important to inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or medical conditions you may have, as these factors could potentially affect the test results.
Lab test results may vary across different laboratories. The test results may vary depending on factors like age and underlying illness, among others. Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation; therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for a proper understanding of the test results. The insights from this test help the doctor tailor an appropriate treatment plan.
What is Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate used for?
A Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate test is done:
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To evaluate the function of adrenal glands.
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To help diagnose congenital adrenal hyperplasia and enlargement of the adrenal glands (hyperplasia) in adults.
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To investigate adrenal tumors, which can impact hormone production.
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To identify hormonal imbalances, especially when there is an overproduction or underproduction of DHEAS.
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In babies with ambiguous genitalia, to understand potential underlying conditions.
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To assess the onset of puberty in both boys and girls.
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As a part of investigation for hormonal disorders like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in females.
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To investigate whether hormonal factors contribute to excessive hair growth (hirsutism) or hair loss (alopecia) in females.
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As a part of fertility assessment to explore potential factors affecting reproductive health.
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To identify androgen-related problems such as virilization in females.
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To help in the differential diagnosis of Cushing syndrome.
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To monitor the treatment response that may affect adrenal function.
What does Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate measure?
A Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate test measures the levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) in the blood. DHEAS is a steroid hormone that is present in both males and females. It is primarily produced by the adrenal glands, with smaller amounts produced by ovaries in females and testicles in males.
DHEAS plays a role in developing male secondary sexual characteristics at puberty. The body can convert it into more potent androgens like testosterone and androstenedione. Also, it can be converted into the female hormone estrogen.
A Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate test helps diagnose and differentiate certain endocrine disorders, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of hormonal balance in the body.
Interpreting Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate results
Interpretations
|
Age (Years) |
Males (ug/dL) |
Females (ug/dL) |
|
11-14 |
16.60 - 242.70 |
8.60 - 169.80 |
|
15-19 |
45.10 - 385.00 |
61.20 - 493.60 |
|
20-24 |
238.40 - 539.30 |
134.20 - 407.40 |
|
25-34 |
167.90 - 591.90 |
95.80 - 511.70 |
|
35-44 |
139.70 - 484.40 |
74.80 - 410.20 |
|
45-54 |
136.20 - 447.60 |
56.20 - 282.90 |
|
55-64 |
48.60 - 361.80 |
29.70 - 182.20 |
|
65-70 |
228.50 - 283.60 |
33.60 - 78.90 |
|
Age |
Children (ug/dL) |
|
< 1 week |
24.60 - 302.80 |
|
1 - 4 weeks |
8.50 - 317.30 |
|
1 - 12 months |
31.60 - 214.10 |
|
1 - 4 years |
32.70 - 276.00 |
|
5 - 10 years |
24.40 - 209.70 |
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate
Frequently Asked Questions about Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate
Q. What is a Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate test used for?
Q. How is a Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate test performed?
Q. Do I need to fast before taking a Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate test?
Q. What can abnormal results of a Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate test indicate?
Q. How do age and gender affect DHEAS levels?
Q. What are the symptoms of high DHEAS in women?
Q. Can abnormal DHEAS levels affect fertility?
Q. What conditions can cause low DHEAS?
Q. What conditions can cause high DHEAS?
Q. Can DHEAS supplements be used to normalize DHEAS levels?
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References
- Dehydroepiandrosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate [Internet]. Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Medical Center; [Accessed 13 Feb. 2024]. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=dhea
- Neunzig J, Bernhardt R. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) stimulates the first step in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones. PLoS One. 2014 Feb 21;9(2):e89727. [Accessed 13 Feb. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3931814/
- Li K, Liang S, Shi Y, Zhou Y, Xie L, Feng J, Chen Z, Li Q, Gan Z. The Relationships of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate, Erectile Function and General Psychological Health. Sex Med. 2021 Aug;9(4):100386. [Accessed 13 Feb. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8360929/
- Tang J, Chen LR, Chen KH. The Utilization of Dehydroepiandrosterone as a Sexual Hormone Precursor in Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women: An Overview. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021 Dec 29;15(1):46. [Accessed 13 Feb. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8781653/
- Goldman N, Glei DA. Sex differences in the relationship between DHEAS and health. Exp Gerontol. 2007 Oct;42(10):979-87. [Accessed 13 Feb. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2968710/
- Iliev DI, Braun R, Sánchez-Guijo A, Hartmann M, Wudy SA, Heckmann D, Bruchelt G, Rösner A, Grosser G, Geyer J, Binder G. Very High Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEAS) in Serum of an Overweight Female Adolescent Without a Tumor. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2020 May 6;11:240. [Accessed 13 Feb. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7218118/
- Leowattana W. DHEAS as a new diagnostic tool. Clin Chim Acta. 2004 Mar;341(1-2):1-15. [Accessed 13 Feb. 2024]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14967152/
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