DHEA Sulfate, Immunoassay (DHEA-S)

DHEA-Sulfate is a hormone made by your adrenal glands that helps produce other important hormones in your body. Your level naturally decreases as you age, and abnormal levels may indicate problems with your adrenal glands or hormone balance.

When elevated: Elevated DHEA-S suggests increased adrenal androgen production, which may manifest as hirsutism, acne, or virilization in women. Markedly elevated levels warrant evaluation for adrenal tumors or congenital adrenal hyperplasia. In PCOS, mild to moderate elevations are common and contribute to the clinical phenotype. When low: Low DHEA-S levels are expected with normal aging but may indicate adrenal insufficiency when inappropriately low for age. Decreased levels are associated with reduced muscle mass, bone density, and potentially cognitive function, though the clinical significance of age-related decline remains debated.

DHEA-S reflects adrenal androgen production and may correlate with training stress, recovery status, and anabolic capacity in endurance and strength athletes. Some athletes monitor it to assess whether training load is sustainable or if recovery optimization is needed, though DHEA-S alone is not a definitive performance or overtraining marker.