Lever
Lifestyle
- Regular physical exercise
- Stress management techniques
- Adequate sleep
Blutwerte · Marker
DHEA-S
DHEAS · Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate · DHEA-Sulfat
Hormone — ReproduktionsachseZeitabhängig
- Einheit:
- µmol/L
DHEA-S quantifies the level of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, a sulfated steroid hormone involved in the biosynthesis of androgens and estrogens.
Reference Ranges
Age Group
Reference
0.9–11.7µmol/L
0.9
11.7
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · µmol/LReference ranges vary by age and sex, with higher levels typically observed in males and younger individuals.
Overview
Übersicht
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is an endogenous steroid hormone primarily synthesized in the adrenal cortex, with minor contributions from the gonads and central nervous system. It serves as a precursor to androgens and estrogens, and its levels reflect adrenal gland function. Clinically, DHEA-S is important in diagnosing conditions related to adrenal function and androgen excess, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and adrenal hyperplasia. Researchers found that DHEA-S levels decline with age, suggesting its potential role as a biomarker of aging. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, DHEA-S is monitored for its potential ergogenic effects and its role in stress response modulation. However, its use in anti-aging and performance enhancement is controversial, with mixed evidence on efficacy and safety. Caveats in interpreting DHEA-S levels include age, sex, and diurnal variation, as well as potential interference from medications and health conditions. Researchers emphasize the importance of considering these factors when measuring DHEA-S to avoid misinterpretation.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated DHEA-S levels may indicate adrenal hyperplasia or androgen-secreting tumors. Reduced levels can be associated with adrenal insufficiency or aging.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising DHEA-S levels may suggest adrenal hyperplasia or tumors; retest in 4-6 weeks if elevated.
Falling Values
Progressively falling levels may indicate adrenal insufficiency or aging.
Re-test Interval
4-6 weeks if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Adrenal hyperplasia
- Androgen-secreting tumors
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Cushing's syndrome
- Stress
Cause
Low Levels
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Hypopituitarism
- Aging
- Chronic illness
- Use of glucocorticoids
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Balanced diet rich in healthy fats
- Adequate protein intake
Lever
Supplementation
- DHEA supplements
- Vitamin D
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before starting DHEA supplementation, especially in individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions.
Testing Guidelines
✓Fasting Not Required
🕐Time-Sensitive
DHEA-S levels can vary throughout the day; morning samples are preferred for consistency.
Testing Frequency
Annually for monitoring adrenal health, more frequently if symptoms suggest hormonal imbalance.
Interfering Factors
- Recent intense exercise
- Use of oral contraceptives
- Chronic illness
Related Peptides & Hormones
Cortisol
hormoneCorrelated with
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that reference ranges for DHEA-S in various populations, particularly in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), remain debated, with optimal diagnostic thresholds yet to be established. Researchers have not yet fully explored the confounding effects of age, sex, and biosocial factors on DHEA-S levels and their implications for aging and metabolic health. Unanswered clinical questions include the specific role of DHEA-S in predicting epigenetic age acceleration and its therapeutic potential in age-related disorders.
22 Research Publications
318
Total Citations
9
Human/RCT
1.4
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
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Filter
01Top
#01
Dehydroepiandrosterone Research: Past, Current, and Future.
ReviewInfluence1.0
69
This chapter reviewed the historical and current research on DHEA and DHEA-S. Researchers noted that while DHEA-S levels decline with age, the hormone may play a role in various health conditions. The chapter summarized human trials and the potential therapeutic applications of DHEA.
02Top
#02
Clinical significance of 11-oxygenated androgens.
ReviewInfluence3.0
67
This review discussed the clinical significance of 11-oxygenated androgens, including DHEA and DHEA-S. Researchers noted that these adrenal-derived steroids may play important roles in various conditions, including polycystic ovary syndrome and prostate cancer, warranting further investigation into their clinical utility.
03Top
#03
Pharmacological activities of dehydroepiandrosterone: A review.
ReviewInfluence2.0
59
Researchers reviewed the pharmacological activities of DHEA, noting its role as a precursor to sex steroids and its decline with age. The review highlighted various potential health benefits of DHEA, including its effects on autoimmune disorders and its classification as an anti-aging hormone.
04
#04
DHEA, physical exercise and doping.
ReviewInfluence1.0
34
This review investigated the effects of exercise on DHEA and DHEA-S levels. Researchers found that DHEA is preferred for acute exercise studies, while DHEA-S is better for assessing chronic adaptations. Both hormones can be measured noninvasively, allowing for monitoring in athletes and various populations.
05
#05
Evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of androgen measurement in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and diagnostic meta-analysis to inform evidence-based guidelines.
Meta-AnalysisInfluence1.0
26
This systematic review assessed the diagnostic accuracy of various androgen measurements, including DHEAS, for diagnosing biochemical hyperandrogenism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Researchers found that DHEAS had a pooled sensitivity of 0.75 and specificity of 0.67. The study highlighted the importance of using liquid chromatography for accurate androgen measurement.
06
#06
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, free testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin on susceptibility to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Human
21
This study investigated the relationship between DHEA-S, free testosterone, and ADHD in children. Researchers found that children with ADHD had lower DHEA-S levels compared to healthy controls, suggesting its potential role as a biomarker for ADHD.
07
#07
Association of endogenous DHEA/DHEAS with coronary heart disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Meta-AnalysisInfluence1.0
10
This systematic review and meta-analysis explored the association between DHEA(S) levels and coronary heart disease (CHD). Researchers observed that lower DHEAS levels were linked to increased CHD risk, while no significant association was found between DHEA levels and CHD.
08
#08
Psychosocial stress and neuroendocrine biomarker concentrations among women living with or without HIV.
Human
7
This study evaluated the impact of psychosocial stress on neuroendocrine biomarker concentrations, including DHEA-S, among women living with HIV. Researchers found no overall association between stress and biomarker levels, but noted a positive correlation among Black women, suggesting a link to cardiovascular disease risk.
09
#09
Sense and nonsense concerning biotin interference in laboratory tests.
Review
7
This review discussed the potential interference of biotin in laboratory tests, including DHEA-S measurements. Researchers highlighted the importance of understanding biotin's effects on immunoassays to avoid misdiagnosis and emphasized the need for careful patient management regarding biotin supplementation.
10
#10
Cortisol, DHEAS, and the cortisol/DHEAS ratio as predictors of epigenetic age acceleration.
Takeshita Rafaela S C, et al. · Biogerontology · 2025
Human
4
This study examined the relationship between cortisol, DHEAS, and their ratio in predicting epigenetic age acceleration. Researchers found that the cortisol/DHEAS ratio was the best predictor of epigenetic age among various hormonal measures. Age, sex, and social factors significantly influenced these hormonal levels.
Key findings
- 01Researchers found that age, sex, and social factors significantly influenced levels of cortisol and DHEAS.
- 02The cortisol/DHEAS ratio was the best predictor of biological aging compared to individual hormone levels.
- 03There were positive correlations between cortisol levels and certain epigenetic age measures, but DHEAS did not show significant associations.
Publication Trend
Research publications about DHEA-S over time
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