Dehydroepiandrostenedione Sulphate (DHEAS) Test - Serum

DHEAS Test Overview

DHEAS test measures the levels of DHEA sulfate in your blood. DHEAS is the abbreviated term for dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. It is the male sex hormone present in both males and females. This hormone plays an important role in the production of the sex hormone testosterone in males and estrogen in females.  Also, it is involved in the development of sexual characteristics in males at the onset of puberty.

In a healthy adult, DHEAS is produced by the adrenal glands which are present above the kidneys. Other than acting as a sex hormone, DHEAS controls blood pressure heart rate, and other body functions.  Small quantities of DHEAS are also produced by male testicles and female ovaries. If the levels of DHEAS are not normal in the body then maybe adrenal glands or sex organs are responsible for this.

Therefore, DHEAS test is run to evaluate the levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in blood.

What is it Used for?

A DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) test is most often used to:

• To diagnose the malfunctioning of adrenal glands
• To detect the presence of tumors in adrenal glands
• To identify the disorders of testicles and ovaries.
• To rule out the cause of early puberty in boys.
• To diagnose the reason for hypertrichosis (excess hair growth on the body) and virilization in females (development of male physical characteristics).

A DHEAS test is generally accompanied by other sex hormone tests such as testosterone tests for men and estrogen tests for women.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid precursor produced in the adrenal glands. It is converted into sex hormones (estrogens and androgens). DHEA’s effects on the body are similar to those of testosterone. The DHEAS test is useful to know the status of sex hormones in the body. 

Total tests included : 1

The DHEAS test is a blood test that measures levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S), a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It provides insights into adrenal function and hormonal balance, aiding in the diagnosis of various endocrine disorders.

 Written by : Dr.Shibani R Medical Writer Medical Affairs