Dehydroepiandrosterone-Sulfate (DHEA-S) Blood Test

What Is the DHEA-S Blood Test and Why Is It Done?

A DHEA-S blood test measures the level of DHEA-S in blood to check for problems with the adrenal glands, testes (testicles), ovaries, or pituitary gland. Doctors might order a DHEA-S test if someone has:

precocious puberty (when signs of puberty, like pubic hair or underarm hair, start sooner than expected)
extra hair on the face or body
irregular periods

What Is DHEA-S?

Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) is a steroid hormone — a chemical that helps the body do certain things. Most DHEA-S is made by the adrenal glands, after the pituitary gland “tells” them to make it. The testes and ovaries sometimes also make DHEA-S.

DHEA-S is an androgen (a male-type sex hormone), but both males and females have it. DHEA-S is a building block for making the male sex hormone testosterone and the female sex hormone estrogen.

DHEA-S levels are high in newborns, then quickly drop. They rise again during puberty, when they make pubic hair and underarm hair start to grow.

Top Things to Know

The DHEA-S test is a blood test that checks the level of DHEA-S in the blood.
This test can find problems with the adrenal glands, testes, ovaries, or pituitary gland.
Kids might need to stop taking certain medicines before the blood test.
Your doctor can explain what it means if the DHEA-S level is too high or too low.

How Can I Help My Child Prepare for a Blood Test?

To help kids get ready for a blood test, find out if they need to fast (not eat or drink) or should stop taking medicines before the test. Explain what to expect during the test. If your child is nervous about it, work together on ways to stay calm. Deep breathing or even imagining being in a place that makes your child feel safe and calm can help.

What Do DHEA-S Test Results Mean?

High or low DHEA-S levels can be a sign that something isn’t working right in the adrenal glands, testes, ovaries, or pituitary gland. And that can lead to problems like early puberty, irregular periods, and more.

Your doctor will explain what the results of the DHEA-S test mean for your child. What’s “normal” varies based on things like age and gender.

If you have questions about the DHEA-S test, talk to your doctor.