Quick answer: DHEA-S is a hormone made mainly by the adrenal glands and used by the body to make testosterone and estrogen. It naturally declines with age. High DHEA-S can be seen in PCOS or adrenal conditions; low levels can reflect aging, chronic stress or adrenal problems. DHEA supplements can affect hormones and should only be used with testing and guidance.
What is DHEA-S?
DHEA sulfate is a precursor hormone made by the adrenal glands. It circulates in large amounts and is converted into sex hormones in tissues. This marker is part of the Healthspan Assessment panel available to my 1-on-1 patients.
Why DHEA-S matters
- Raw material for testosterone and estrogen
- Energy, libido and mood
- Stress resilience
- Immune function
Understanding your result
Reference ranges vary by lab, age and sex. Your provider interprets your result against the lab’s range and your overall picture, rather than chasing a single number. Functional labs are optional. They can be helpful in more complex cases, and in my practice they are available only to patients working 1-on-1 with me.
What low DHEA-S can mean
- Normal aging
- Chronic stress
- Adrenal insufficiency or pituitary problems
- Some medications, including steroids
What high DHEA-S can mean
- PCOS
- Adrenal hyperplasia or, rarely, adrenal tumors
- DHEA supplements
What affects DHEA-S
- Age and sex
- Stress
- Steroid medications
- Supplements
Ways to support healthy levels
- Manage stress and sleep (see adrenal health)
- Strength train and stay active
- Only use DHEA supplements with testing and provider guidance
- Evaluate high DHEA-S with your provider
DHEA-S and healthy aging
DHEA-S declines steadily with age and is often used as a marker of hormonal aging. Low levels are linked with lower resilience to stress and changes in immune signaling.
Related tests and articles: cortisol, pregnenolone.
When to see a naturopathic doctor
- Low energy, libido or mood
- Signs of PCOS such as acne or excess hair
- Chronic stress
- You are considering DHEA supplements
See a medical provider promptly for rapid hair growth, deepening voice or other signs of virilization, or severe fatigue with dizziness and weight loss.
Want help making sense of your labs?
A free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Kneessi. No cost, no obligation. In-office in Odenton, MD or by telehealth.
Frequently asked questions
What does low DHEA-S mean?
It can reflect aging, chronic stress or adrenal problems.
What does high DHEA-S mean?
It can be seen in PCOS or adrenal conditions and should be evaluated.
Should I take DHEA?
Only with testing and guidance. It can raise sex hormones and cause side effects.
Does DHEA decline with age?
Yes, steadily after early adulthood.
What is a normal DHEA-S level?
DHEA-S ranges depend heavily on age and sex, peaking in early adulthood and falling steadily after that. Always compare your result to the age-specific range on your lab report rather than a single number.
What are the symptoms of low DHEA-S?
Research has linked low DHEA-S to fatigue, low libido, lower stress resilience, and changes in mood, though these symptoms overlap with many other conditions. Low DHEA-S is also seen with long-term stress, certain medications such as steroids, and normal aging.
Work with a naturopathic doctor near you
Dr. Kneessi sees patients in person in Odenton and by telehealth anywhere in Maryland. Learn more about visits for Annapolis, Odenton, Crofton, and Severna Park, or read about hormone testing and functional medicine in the area.
You can book a free 15-minute consult, or start with the free 28-Day Longevity Reset, a short daily email series on sleep, light, movement, and food.
Sources
- Nakamura Y, et al. Adrenal changes associated with adrenarche. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2009. PMID: 18821019. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3712864/
- Labrie F, et al. Marked decline in serum concentrations of adrenal C19 sex steroid precursors and conjugated androgen metabolites during aging. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1997. PMID: 9253307. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9253307/
- Goodarzi MO, Carmina E, Azziz R. DHEA, DHEAS and PCOS. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015. PMID: 25008465. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25008465/
- MedlinePlus: DHEA Sulfate Test
- MedlinePlus: Adrenal Gland Disorders
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace an individual evaluation. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting supplements or changing medications, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or managing a health condition.
