A patient seated in the chair before a blood draw
In person

DHEA Sulfate

Your level of DHEA-S, an adrenal androgen, from one blood draw.

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  • 2,000+ lab locations. Find one near you
  • Nothing due at the lab. FSA / HSA accepted
  • Ordered by a licensed clinician

At a glance

Collection
Blood draw
A standard blood draw at the lab.
Preparation
None
Nothing to do ahead of time. Water is fine.
Results
1 to 3 days
Typical turnaround after your visit.
Where
2,000+ lab locations
Nationwide, with nothing due at the lab.

About this test

DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S) is the main androgen made by the adrenal glands, and the body can turn it into testosterone and estrogen. It is often checked with other hormones when someone has acne, unwanted hair growth, or irregular cycles. No fasting or special timing is needed.

For adults 18 and older. Test availability varies by lab location.

Who should take this test?

This test is often used by adults with skin, hair, or cycle changes that can be linked to androgen hormones, usually alongside testosterone. Commonly related symptoms include:

Skin

  • Adult acne
  • Oily skin

Hair

  • Unwanted hair growth
  • Thinning scalp hair

Reproductive

  • Irregular periods

Ask about this test

Not sure this is the right test?

AI-generated. For information only, not medical advice. Call 911 for an emergency.

What does this test measure?

Your result shows how much DHEA-S is in your blood, which a healthcare provider can read with testosterone and other hormones to understand skin, hair, or cycle changes.

DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S)
DHEA-S is a hormone made mainly by the adrenal glands, and the body can convert it into testosterone and estrogen. It is the main androgen the adrenal glands make. Levels peak in early adulthood and decline with age. It is often read with other hormones when androgen levels are a question.
Why it’s measured: The main androgen made by the adrenal glands, often read with other hormones.

How it works

  1. Step 1

    Order online

    Check out here. A licensed clinician in your state reviews your order and sends it to the lab.

  2. Step 2

    Visit a lab

    Bring a photo ID to any of 2,000+ lab locations. No fasting needed, and nothing is due at the lab.

  3. Step 3

    Get your results

    Results post to your account, usually in 1 to 3 days, each number next to the lab’s reference range.

Find a lab near you

Choose from 2,000+ lab locations nationwide. Your order works at any of them.

What your results tell you

DHEA-S is reported as a number and compared with the lab’s reference range, which is set by age and sex because levels change with age.

  • Your number next to the lab’s reference range
  • Explained in plain language
  • A licensed clinician reviews your order and, if appropriate, orders the test.
  • A lab report you can download and share

A result outside the range is a starting point. A healthcare provider reads it with other hormones and decides what follow-up, if any, makes sense.

Clinical-grade testing, from the comfort of home.

From the lab to your report, every step of our process meets the gold standard in medical testing.

  • CLIA-certified labs

    Every lab we partner with is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, meeting both state and federal standards with regular independent inspections.

  • We protect your health data

    We protect your health data with encryption and do not sell it. Some results must be reported to public health authorities by law. See our Privacy Notice.

  • Rigorous quality assurance

    All partner labs run regular internal quality checks, participate in proficiency testing, and comply with federal and state lab regulations.

  • Clinician-reviewed reports

    Results are reviewed by an independent, licensed clinician.

Questions

Common questions.

Anything else, our care team answers by phone, text, or email.

DHEA is a hormone made mainly by the adrenal glands, two small glands that sit above the kidneys. Most of it circulates in a sulfated form, DHEA-⁠S, which changes little through the day, so no special timing is needed.

The body can turn DHEA-⁠S into androgens such as testosterone and into estrogens, so it is often read alongside those hormones.

Acne, unwanted hair growth, and irregular cycles can have several causes. Looking at DHEA-⁠S together with testosterone and other hormones helps a healthcare provider see where extra androgens may be coming from and which next steps make sense.

On its own, this test cannot tell you whether you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or any other condition.

DHEA is sold as a supplement, and taking it can raise your DHEA-⁠S level. If you take DHEA or any hormone medicine, tell your healthcare provider. Don’t stop or change any medicine or supplement without talking with your healthcare provider.

Yes. DHEA-⁠S is usually highest in young adulthood and declines gradually over the years, so the lab’s reference range is set by age and sex. A value that would look low for a younger person can be expected later in life. A healthcare provider can explain where your result sits for your age.

Lab tests are informational and don’t diagnose conditions on their own. Available to adults 18 and older; test availability varies by lab location. A licensed clinician reviews your order and, if appropriate, orders the test. All testing is performed at CLIA-certified laboratories. Not for emergencies: if you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911.