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Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate

Overview
What is DHEAS?
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) test is also known as DHEA-SO4 or DHEA Sulfate Test. This test helps in evaluating the function of the adrenal gland, detecting adrenal tumors, or cancers. It also helps in determining the cause of virilization (masculine physical characteristics) in girls and women or early puberty in boys.
Why is DHEAS done?
DHEAS test is done in females in case of:
Hirsutism (excess facial and body hair)
Acne
Amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods)
Infertility
DHEAS test is done in males in case of:
Signs of Precocious (early) puberty such as deeper voice, pubic hair, or muscle development
DHEAS test is done in small babies in case of:
Ambiguous external genitalia (female babies born with genitals which are not clear in appearance that they are male or female genitals)
What does DHEAS Measure?
DHEAS test measures the DHEAS level in the blood. DHEAS is a male sex hormone which is present both in men and women. It is majorly produced by the adrenal glands. Along with that, it is produced in small quantities by ovaries in women and by testicles in men. DHEAS plays an important role in developing secondary sexual characteristics at puberty in males. It can be further converted into more potent androgens by the body such as testosterone and androstenedione. Whereas, in females, it can be converted into the female hormone estrogen.
For proper adrenal gland function, the production of DHEAS is important and is treated as a marker. In case of adrenal tumors (cancerous and non-cancerous) and adrenal hyperplasia, there is an overproduction of DHEAS. However, in very few cases, high levels of DHEAS can be seen in ovarian tumors.
Interpreting DHEAS results
Interpretations
Age (Years) | Males (ug/dL) | Females (ug/dL) |
11-14 | 16.60 - 242.70 | 8.60 - 169.80 |
15-19 | 45.10 - 385.00 | 61.20 - 493.60 |
20-24 | 238.40 - 539.30 | 134.20 - 407.40 |
25-34 | 167.90 - 591.90 | 95.80 - 511.70 |
35-44 | 139.70 - 484.40 | 74.80 - 410.20 |
45-54 | 136.20 - 447.60 | 56.20 - 282.90 |
55-64 | 48.60 - 361.80 | 29.70 - 182.20 |
65-70 | 228.50 - 283.60 | 33.60 - 78.90 |
Age | Children (ug/dL) |
< 1 week | 24.60 - 302.80 |
1 - 4 weeks | 8.50 - 317.30 |
1 - 12 months | 31.60 - 214.10 |
1 - 4 years | 32.70 - 276.00 |
5 - 10 years | 24.40 - 209.70 |
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DHEAS
Frequently Asked Questions about Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate

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