DHEA is an androgen produced primarily by the adrenal glands in men and, to a lesser extent, in women. Your body converts DHEA into other important hormones, including testosterone and oestrogen. Our DHEA sulphate test can help detect adrenal insufficiency and may provide insight into symptoms like fatigue, changes in body hair, and mood fluctuations. Raised DHEAS levels can sometimes occur in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, providing a useful clue for further investigation.
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What's in the test?
Adrenal hormones
DHEA sulphate
Learn more
DHEAS is the sulphated form of DHEA, a hormone which is produced by the adrenal glands and is responsible for male characteristics in both men and women. DHEAS gradually declines from the age of 30 onwards.
How to prepare for your test
Prepare for your DHEA Sulphate (DHEAS) Blood Test by following these instructions. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed. Most evidence suggests that DHEAS is unaffected by the menstrual cycle, so taking the test at any point will give you a valid result. However, if you have regular periods and are tracking your results over time, we recommend taking the test between days two and five of your cycle for consistency.
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Why measure DHEAS?
Most of the DHEA in your body exists in your blood in the sulphated form, DHEAS, which we measure in this test. Measuring DHEAS can help to investigate adrenal insufficiency and tell you whether your levels are normal for your age. DHEAS can also help to identify polycystic ovaries as levels are likely to be elevated.
What could low DHEA levels indicate?
DHEA levels in the body naturally decline as you get older. It affects many areas of health and well-being, and levels naturally decline as you get older. Research is continuing into whether DHEA can boost the immune system or help manage diabetes and lupus symptoms. Research is continuing into whether lower levels of DHEA can explain certain age-related ailments such as heart disease in older men, whether it has the ability to boost the immune system, and whether it can help in managing diabetes and easing lupus symptoms. There may also be a role for it in improving the chances of successful IVF.
What is DHEA?
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is an androgen hormone produced from cholesterol that your body converts into other hormones, including testosterone and oestrogen.