Dehydroepiandrostenedione Sulphate (DHEAS) Test - Serum

Your doctor prescribes this test if symptoms of high or low blood levels of DHEAS appear in your body. Although the symptoms of high DHEAS may not develop in males, however, in females symptoms of high DHEAS may include-

• Excess growth of hairs on the face and body
• Deepening of voice
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Excess pimples and acne.
• Increased muscularity
• Loss of hair at the top of the head

The test is also done in babies if there are ambiguous genitals (genitals that are not visible as male or female).
Also, in the case of early puberty in males, the DHEAS test is prescribed.

Moreover, you need this test if you have symptoms of low DHEAS levels and this include-

• Unidentified weight loss
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dehydration
• Craving for salt consumption
• Decreased sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction in men
• Thinning of vaginal tissues in women

However, the last three above mention symptoms can be due to aging as well.

This test is done in suspected cases of hormonal abnormalities. DHEA abnormality may result in acne, headache, mood changes, breast enlargement in men, and hairiness in women. It may decrease HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol), and worsen polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Symptoms of high levels of DHEAS in women and girls may include: Excess body and facial hair growth. Deepening of voice. Menstrual irregularities and PCOS. In males it may lead to early puberty and sexual abnormalities. Symptoms of low DHEAS levels are unexplained weight loss, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, dehydration and craving for salt.

The DHEAS test determines or evaluates the level of DHEA sulfate hormone in the blood. The measured levels indicate the alternation in the functioning of the adrenal gland.

During the Test

After booking the test, a healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from your arm using a small sterilized and non-reusable needle. However, upon needle insertion, you might feel a little sting for a while. After the insertion of the needle, a small quantity of blood will be collected in a vial. This will take no more than five minutes. After this test on the taken sample will be performed cautiously.

Precautions to be Taken

No specific precaution such as fasting or water consumption needs to take before the DHEA sulfate test.

After the Test

Although the DHEA sulfate test is safe and no risk is involved. You may feel slight pain or bruise at the blood collection site of your arm. However, this may also go away very quickly.

After running the test, if the report shows high blood levels of DHEA sulfate, then this indicates either of the following conditions:

• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is an inherited disorder of the adrenal glands.
• A tumor of the adrenal gland. Either benign (noncancerous) or cancerous.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a leading cause of female infertility.

If your report shows low levels of DHEAS. it may indicate that you have one of the following conditions:

• Addison disease. A disorder of adrenal glands wherein the gland is not able to make enough of its hormones.
• Hypopituitarism is a condition wherein the pituitary gland does not make enough pituitary hormones which directs other glands to produce their hormones.

More Info on Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate - DHEAS Test

With growing age, DHEA sulfate levels normally decline both in males and females. Although DHEA sulfate supplements are available and also promoted as an anti-aging therapy. No reliable evidence is there to support its anti-aging claim. Moreover, these supplements may lead to serious side effects.

One should consult the healthcare provider before taking these DHEA sulfate supplements.