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 form of dehydroepiandrosterone, in the blood.
Reference Ranges
Age Group
Reference
0.9–15µmol/L
0.9
15
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · µmol/LLevels vary by age and sex, with males typically having higher levels than females. Age-related decline is common.
Overview
Übersicht
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is an endogenous steroid hormone synthesized primarily by the adrenal cortex, with contributions from the gonads and central nervous system. It serves as a precursor to androgens and estrogens, playing a crucial role in the biosynthesis of these sex hormones. Researchers have observed that DHEA-S levels decline with age, making it a potential biomarker for aging. Clinically, DHEA-S is implicated in a variety of conditions, including atherosclerosis, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and immune function. It also influences cognitive functions, mood, and overall well-being. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, DHEA-S is of interest due to its potential ergogenic effects and its role in chronic adaptations to exercise. It is often measured to assess the impact of training and supplementation on hormonal balance. However, DHEA-S levels can be influenced by factors such as age, sex, exercise intensity, and stress. Time-of-day variations and fasting status may also affect measurements, necessitating standardized testing conditions to ensure accuracy.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated DHEA-S levels may indicate adrenal hyperplasia or tumors, while reduced levels are associated with adrenal insufficiency, aging, and certain chronic diseases. It serves as a marker for adrenal gland function and overall hormonal balance.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising DHEA-S levels may suggest adrenal hyperactivity or supplementation. Re-test in 4 weeks if levels are outside the optimal range.
Falling Values
Progressively falling DHEA-S levels may indicate aging or adrenal insufficiency.
Re-test Interval
4 weeks if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Adrenal hyperplasia
- Adrenal tumors
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Cushing's syndrome
- Exogenous DHEA supplementation
Cause
Low Levels
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Hypopituitarism
- Aging
- Chronic illness
- Severe stress
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Balanced diet rich in healthy fats
- Adequate protein intake
Lever
Supplementation
- DHEA supplements
- Vitamin D
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation, especially DHEA, due to potential hormonal effects.
Testing Guidelines
✓Fasting Not Required
🕐Time-Sensitive
DHEA-S levels can vary throughout the day; morning measurements are recommended for consistency.
Testing Frequency
Annually for monitoring aging or adrenal function, more frequently if under treatment.
Interfering Factors
- Recent intense exercise
- Hormonal medications
- Stress
Related Peptides & Hormones
Cortisol
hormoneCorrelated with
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that reference ranges for DHEA-S may vary significantly based on age, sex, and individual health status, yet optimal targets for therapeutic interventions remain undefined. Researchers have not yet established the precise mechanisms by which DHEA-S influences conditions like obesity and diabetes, nor have they clarified its role in adrenal incidentalomas. Additionally, clinical questions regarding the long-term effects of DHEA-S supplementation and its impact on aging-related disorders remain unanswered.
48 Research Publications
680
Total Citations
20
Human/RCT
1.9
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
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Filter
01Top
#01
Towards a consensus definition of allostatic load: a multi-cohort, multi-system, multi-biomarker individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis.
Meta-AnalysisInfluence4.0
80
This study examined the relationship between various biomarkers, including DHEA-S, and health outcomes in a large cohort of individuals. Researchers found that DHEA-S was consistently associated with health metrics like grip strength and self-rated health. A simplified index of five biomarkers was identified as effective in predicting mortality.
02Top
#02
Dehydroepiandrosterone Research: Past, Current, and Future.
ReviewInfluence1.0
71
This review highlighted the historical significance of DHEA and DHEA-S in biochemistry and their potential roles in various health conditions. Researchers noted that DHEA-S levels decline with age and may be linked to diseases like cancer and diabetes, although the mechanisms in humans remain less understood.
03Top
#03
Clinical significance of 11-oxygenated androgens.
ReviewInfluence3.0
71
Researchers discussed the clinical significance of 11-oxygenated androgens, including DHEA and DHEA-S, highlighting their potential roles in various health conditions. The review noted that these steroids may be linked to disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome and prostate cancer, warranting further investigation.
04
#04
Autonomous cortisol secretion in adrenal incidentalomas.
ReviewInfluence4.0
66
Researchers found that low DHEA-S levels, along with other biomarkers, may indicate autonomous cortisol secretion in adrenal incidentalomas. The study emphasized the importance of identifying these conditions due to their association with increased health risks, although DHEA-S alone is not sufficient for diagnosis.
05
#05
MicroRNAs related to androgen metabolism and polycystic ovary syndrome.
ReviewInfluence1.0
63
This review explored the role of microRNAs in androgen metabolism and their association with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Researchers observed that DHEA and DHEA-S are significant contributors to the symptoms of PCOS, with altered sulfate metabolism potentially playing a role in its pathogenesis. The study highlights the need for further research on microRNAs as potential biomarkers for diagnosing PCOS.
06
#06
Pharmacological activities of dehydroepiandrosterone: A review.
ReviewInfluence2.0
60
This review covered the pharmacological activities of DHEA, noting its role as a precursor to sex steroids and its various health benefits. Researchers observed its potential in treating conditions like autoimmune disorders, obesity, and cognitive decline.
07
#07
Control of adrenal androgen production.
ReviewInfluence2.0
55
This study reviewed the control mechanisms of adrenal androgen production, including DHEA and DHEA-S. Researchers found that adrenal androgen secretion is influenced by various hormones, although the exact physiological modulators remain unclear.
08
#08
Adrenarche in comparative perspective.
ReviewInfluence2.0
50
Researchers examined the timing of adrenal androgen production, including DHEA-S, in relation to brain development across species. The study found that DHEA-S levels may be associated with synaptic formation and pruning, particularly in humans, suggesting a neuroprotective role during development.
09
#09
Evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of androgen measurement in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and diagnostic meta-analysis to inform evidence-based guidelines.
Meta-AnalysisInfluence2.0
40
This systematic review examined the diagnostic accuracy of various androgen measurements, including DHEA-S, for diagnosing biochemical hyperandrogenism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Researchers found that DHEA-S had a pooled sensitivity of 0.75 and specificity of 0.67, indicating its utility but lower specificity compared to other measures. The study recommends using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry for accurate androgen measurement.
10
#10
DHEA, physical exercise and doping.
ReviewInfluence1.0
35
Researchers observed that DHEA and DHEA-S levels change in response to exercise, with DHEA preferred for acute assessments and DHEA-S for chronic adaptations. The study highlighted the feasibility of measuring these hormones noninvasively in athletes and discussed factors influencing their levels, such as exercise intensity and gender.
Publication Trend
Research publications about DHEA-S over time
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