DHEAS Test: What It Is, Procedure, Results

What is a DHEA Sulfate (DHEAS) Test? 

A DHEAS test is a test that measures the amounts of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in the blood. DHEAS is a sex hormone found in both genders as it plays a role in creating testosterone (male sex hormone) and estrogen (female sex hormone). DHEAS usually peaks around puberty and declines with age.  

What’s the Purpose of DHEAS? 

DHEAS is used by the body to create hormones such as  

• Androgens (testosterone and androstenedione)  

• Estrogen  

While both these hormones are present in certain levels in the body, men tend to create more testosterone while women produce more estrogen. DHEAS is an essential hormone for men as it helps develop male sex characteristics during puberty, although it is necessary for reproduction in both sexes.  

What’s the Role of the Adrenal Glands? 

The human body has two adrenal glands that are located on top of the kidneys. These glands are responsible for making the most DHEAS in your body. The reproductive organs, ovaries (female) and testicles (male), also produce minute quantities of this hormone. The adrenal glands are responsible for:  

• Making DHEAS that is needed for different sex hormones 

• Producing cortisol, which is a hormone that helps the immune system and your metabolism 

• Controlling your heart rate, blood pressure, and other bodily functions 

Who Might Need a DHEA Sulfate (DHEAS) Test? 

Suppose you display symptoms of the adrenal disorder, tumours in the adrenal gland, or similar issues. In that case, your doctor may suggest a DHEAS test that helps them understand how well your adrenal glands work and if your DHEA-S levels are within the DHEAS normal range.  

In some cases, intersex babies or children (individuals whose sexual anatomy or reproductive organs do not fit the binary classification of male and female) may also need to undergo a DHEAS blood test.  

What Happens if DHEAS Levels are High? 

A male child with high DHEA-S levels could experience early puberty, also known as precocious puberty. An adult presented as male at birth may not show symptoms even if they have high DHEAS levels.  

On the other hand, a female who exhibits higher DHEAS levels in PCOS on a DHEAS test for females may find the following symptoms. 

• Excessive growth of hair 

• Early hair loss  

• Issues with fertility 

• Abnormal or missed menstruation 

• Vaginal atrophy 

• Severe acne 

What Happens if DHEAS Levels are Low? 

If the results of your DHEAS test show levels below the DHEAS normal range, you may develop sexual dysfunction, which can cause a diminished sex drive in both sexes. Males may even experience symptoms of erectile dysfunction.  

Symptoms of low DHEAS include  

• Dizziness 

• Unexplained weight loss 

• Nausea and vomiting  

• Dehydration and a craving for salt 

Who Performs a DHEA Sulfate (DHEAS) Test? 

A simple blood sample is needed for a DHEAS test. A highly trained phlebotomist in drawing blood will usually take the blood sample before sending it to the lab, where the medical lab technician completes the test. The entire sample collection process takes about five minutes and is low risk.  

Sometimes, your doctor may request other hormone levels be checked using the same blood sample.  

What Happens During a DHEAS Test?  

Here is the process of collecting a blood sample for your DHEA blood test: 

• You will be asked to make yourself comfortable before an elastic band called a tourniquet is tied around your upper arm. This helps force more blood into your blood vessels, making it easier to find an accessible vein.  

• The technician will then sterilise the skin of your arm with an antiseptic before inserting a thin, hollow needle into the chosen vein. You may feel a slight pinch or stinging at this time, but nothing more.  

• The needle is then used to draw blood into small tubes or vials called vacuainers. 

• Once enough blood is drawn, the technician will loosen the tourniquet and withdraw the needle.  

• They will then apply pressure on the insertion site to stop the bleeding and place a small round bandage over the same. 

• This blood sample is then sent to the laboratory for further analysis.  

How Should I Prepare for a DHEA Sulfate (DHEAS) Test? 

DHEAS levels remain the same throughout the day, so you can give a blood sample for the DHEAS test without worrying about it fluctuating and causing false results. If you only require a DHEAS test, you do not need to fast before providing the blood sample. However, it is best to consult your doctor about the precautions required before the test.  

In some cases, medicines like those needed for high blood pressure and diabetes can also increase your DHEAS levels. At the same time, supplements like vitamin E and fish oil can lower the levels, so ask your doctor if you need to stop taking any medication before the test.  

It is also best to avoid smoking before your test, as nicotine increases DHEAS levels in the body.  

What are the Normal Values of DHEAS? 

The DHEAS normal range usually varies from laboratory to laboratory as each lab uses different techniques that can affect your test results. At the same time, you may find different DHEA-S levels by age, so find a reliable diagnostic laboratory and ensure you use the same lab to track your DHEAS levels using the lab-specific DHEAS normal range.  

What Does it Mean to Have High DHEAS Levels? 

If your results are higher than the DHEAS normal range, you may have to undergo additional testing to help diagnose if you have  

• PCOS(Polycystic ovary syndrome) 

• Ovarian cancer 

• Cancerous tumors in the adrenal glands 

• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia 

What Does it Mean to Have Low DHEAS Levels? 

In the same way, low DHEAS blood test levels could also need more confirmatory tests to diagnose  

• Addison’s disease 

• Pituitary adenomas like hypopituitarism  

Conclusion 

Not all labs conduct specialised tests like the DHEAS test, so you would need to contact your doctor to know where you can get the test done. They may refer you to some of the top diagnostic centres in your area, like Metropolis Labs, which has the latest state-of-the-art equipment to give you accurate and timely results.