DHEA-S
Adrenal steroid hormone serving as precursor for testosterone and estrogen
Also known as
Definition
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is the sulfated derivative of DHEA and the most abundantly produced steroid hormone of the adrenal gland. DHEA-S is the body's primary circulating hormone reservoir, serving as a precursor for testosterone and estrogen in peripheral tissues. Levels peak at ages 25–30 and then decline continuously (~2% per year), making it a commonly used biomarker of biological aging.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Unit | µmol/l (µg/dl) |
| Reference Range | Men: 2.2–15.5 µmol/l (age-dependent: age 30: ~9–15, age 60: ~3–8 µmol/l) | Women: 1.0–11.6 µmol/l (premenopausal; more strongly age-dependent) |
Agree on your personal target range with your doctor.
Conversion: 1 µmol/l = 36.1 µg/dl. US labs: Men 80–560 µg/dl, Women 35–430 µg/dl.
↓ What a low value means
Low DHEA-S occurs with advancing age (physiological), adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), chronic stress (cortisol prioritization), depression, and hormonal disorders. Associated with: fatigue, loss of libido, muscle wasting, elevated cardiovascular risk, cognitive decline, and reduced stress resilience.
↑ What a high value means
Elevated DHEA-S values can indicate congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), adrenomyeloneuropathy, ACTH-producing tumor, or excessive supplementation. In women: signs of androgenization (hirsutism, acne), PCOS.
✓ What can influence this value
DHEA-S is produced in the adrenal cortex and physiologically declines with age. The value is influenced by adrenal diseases, glucocorticoids, oral contraceptives, preparations containing DHEA, chronic stress, sleep, and sex. In relation to cortisol, DHEA-S is partly regarded as a stress marker. The assessment is made by the treating doctor.
When to test
Measured for fatigue workup, adrenal screening, signs of androgenization in women, or reduced libido. DHEA-S is more stable than DHEA and requires no time-of-day standardization.
Frequently asked questions
Is DHEA the 'fountain of youth' hormone? +
DHEA-S is often called an anti-aging marker because it declines with age and correlates with vitality. Supplementation studies show mixed results: positive effects on bone density, libido, and well-being in adrenal insufficiency are well-documented; in healthy older adults, effects are more modest.
Is DHEA freely available? +
Whether DHEA is prescription-only or freely available differs from country to country. DHEA can be converted to testosterone and estrogen, with potential hormonal side effects. Whether and how treatment is given is decided by your doctor.
What does the DHEA-S/cortisol ratio indicate? +
The DHEA-S/cortisol ratio is considered an indicator of the adrenal gland's stress adaptation capacity. With chronic stress, cortisol rises while DHEA-S falls, resulting in a low ratio. A higher ratio (DHEA-S substantially higher than cortisol) is associated with resilience, cardiovascular health, and longevity.
What is the difference between DHEA and DHEA-S? +
DHEA is the free form; DHEA-S is the sulfated depot. DHEA-S is about 1,000 times more abundant in blood, more stable, and better reflects adrenal DHEA production. DHEA-S is the preferred measurement in the lab. DHEA itself varies more diurnally and is harder to measure accurately.
DHEA-S
Sources
- Labrie F (2010) DHEA, important source of sex steroids in men and even more in women. Prog Brain Res.
- Traish AM et al. (2011) DHEA — a precursor steroid or an active hormone in human physiology. J Sex Med.
- Panjari M, Davis SR (2007) DHEA therapy for women: effect on sexual function and wellbeing. Hum Reprod Update.
Last updated: May 28, 2026
This information is for orientation only and does not replace medical advice. Reference ranges can vary by laboratory, method and country.