DHEAS icon

DHEAS

Content Source: Health3 AG
Data Compiled From: Clinical laboratory standards & peer-reviewed research
Quality Assurance: Verified against multiple authoritative sources
Academic Sources: Elmlinger, 2003; Orentreich, 1984; Traish, 2011; Buford, 2008; Labrie, 2001; Rifai, 2022; Weiss, 2009; Maninger, 2009; Khorram, 2010; Kenny, 2010; Valenti, 2009; Paolisso, 1997; Straub, 1998; Friedrich, 2008; Baylis, 2013; Jankowski, 2006; Schmidt, 2005; Simpson, 2002; Weiss, 2011; Orentreich, 1984; Maninger, 2009; Buford, 2008; Villareal, 2006; Baulieu, 2000; Ohlsson, 2010; Labrie, 2001; Finckh, 2005
Last Verified: 2025-12-19
Our Content Standards & Medical Disclaimer

What is DHEAS?

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is a steroid hormone produced primarily by your adrenal glands that serves as a precursor to both male and female sex hormones. Research has established that it plays crucial roles in energy metabolism, immunity, insulin sensitivity, cognitive function, physiological function, and overall vitality.[Traish, 2011] DHEAS concentrations naturally peak in your 20s and then gradually decline with age, with studies documenting an approximate 1–2% annual decline after age 30.[Orentreich, 1984][Baulieu, 2000] Many health researchers monitor DHEAS as a key marker of hormonal balance due to its age-associated decline pattern. Beyond being just a precursor to other hormones, research has demonstrated that DHEAS supports immune function, metabolism, and may help protect against age-related inflammation.[Traish, 2011]

When DHEAS runs low, research indicates potential physiological effects including inflammatory diseases, sexual dysfunction and bone loss.[Traish, 2011] Physical recovery may be affected, as studies have linked low DHEAS levels with increased mortality risk and various health outcomes in aging populations. Research on elderly men has shown that low DHEAS predicts death from all causes, correlates with markers of cardiovascular risk and may reflect overall health status.[Ohlsson, 2010]

When DHEAS runs high, your body may convert more of this hormone into testosterone and other sex hormones.[Labrie, 2001] This can affect your skin and hair – you might notice increased oiliness, occasional acne breakouts, or changes in hair growth patterns.[Finckh, 2005] For women, this might include unwanted facial or body hair, while men may experience accelerated balding patterns. While slightly elevated levels are usually not a cause for concern, significantly high DHEAS can sometimes signal hormonal imbalances which should prompt further evaluation with your healthcare provider

​​​

Measurement Units

DHEAS can be measured in: mg/L, µg/100mL, µg/dL, µg/L, µg%, µmol/L

Reference Ranges by Age and Gender

Reference ranges represent typical values for healthy individuals. Your healthcare provider must interpret your specific results.

Age Range Gender Unit Optimal Normal Source
15 - 29 Woman​ ng/mL - 1000 - 5000 Orentreich, 1984
15 - 39 Man​ ng/mL - 1500 - 5500 Orentreich, 1984
18 - 29 Woman​ µg/dL - 45 - 320 Rifai, 2022
18 - 29 Man​ µg/dL - 110 - 510 Rifai, 2022
20 - 24 Man​ µg/dL - 152 - 609 Friedrich, 2008
20 - 29 Man​ µmol/L - 4 - 15 Elmlinger, 2003
25 - 29 Man​ µg/dL - 134 - 574 Friedrich, 2008
30 - 39 Woman​ µg/dL - 40 - 325 Rifai, 2022
30 - 39 Man​ µg/dL - 110 - 370 Rifai, 2022
30 - 34 Man​ µg/dL - 117 - 540 Friedrich, 2008
35 - 39 Man​ µg/dL - 100 - 505 Friedrich, 2008
40 - 49 Woman​ ng/mL - 400 - 2500 Orentreich, 1984
40 - 49 Man​ µg/dL - 45 - 345 Rifai, 2022
40 - 44 Man​ µg/dL - 85 - 471 Friedrich, 2008
45 - 49 Man​ µg/dL - 72 - 437 Friedrich, 2008
50 - ∞ Woman​ ng/mL - 200 - 1500 Orentreich, 1984
50 - 59 Woman​ µg/dL - 15 - 170 Rifai, 2022
50 - 59 Man​ µg/dL - 600 - 3000 Rifai, 2022
50 - 54 Man​ µg/dL - 61 - 404 Friedrich, 2008
55 - 59 Man​ µg/dL - 53 - 372 Friedrich, 2008
60 - ∞ Man​ ng/mL - 300 - 2000 Orentreich, 1984
60 - 64 Man​ µg/dL - 47 - 340 Friedrich, 2008
60 - 69 Man​ µmol/L - 2.1 - 7.4 Elmlinger, 2003
65 - 69 Man​ µg/dL - 39 - 277 Friedrich, 2008
70 - 74 Man​ µg/dL - 36 - 246 Friedrich, 2008
70 - ∞ Man​ µmol/L - 0.7 - 6.3 Elmlinger, 2003

Health Impact

Bone Health​

DHEAS plays a significant role in maintaining bone health through its conversion to estrogen, which is crucial for bone mineral density. As DHEAS levels naturally decline with age, this may contribute to age-related bone loss.[Weiss, 2009] Research shows that DHEAS supplementation can improve bone mineral density, particularly in postmenopausal women and older adults.[Jankowski, 2006] The DHEAS-bone connection becomes especially important after menopause in women when estrogen production decreases significantly.

​

Mood Regulation​

DHEAS influences several neurotransmitter systems involved in mood regulation, including GABA, serotonin, and dopamine pathways.[Maninger, 2009] When DHEAS levels drop, you might experience mood disturbances, including symptoms of depression and anxiety. Clinical studies have demonstrated that DHEAS supplementation can have antidepressant effects in some individuals with midlife-onset depression.[Schmidt, 2005] This mood-enhancing effect may be particularly relevant during aging when natural DHEAS production declines.

​
Premium

5 More Health Topics Available

Explore 5 additional health topics related to this biomarker in the Health3 app.

Download on App Store Get it on Google Play

Academic References

  1. Elmlinger M. Endocrine Alterations in the Aging Male. (2003). Clin Chem Lab Med.
  2. Orentreich N. Age changes and sex differences in serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations throughout adulthood. (1984). J Clin Endocrinol Metab.
  3. Traish AM. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)—A Precursor Steroid or an Active Hormone in Human Physiology. (2011). J Sex Med.
  4. Buford TW. Impact of DHEA(S) and cortisol on immune function in aging: a brief review. (2008). Appl Physiol Nutr Metab.
  5. Labrie F. DHEA and its transformation into androgens and estrogens in peripheral target tissues: intracrinology. (2001). Front Neuroendocrinol.
  6. Rifai N.. Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine (2022). Elsevier. View Source
  7. Weiss EP. Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement therapy in older adults: 1- and 2-y effects on bone. (2009). Am J Clin Nutr.
  8. Maninger N. Neurobiological and neuropsychiatric effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate (DHEAS). (2009). Front Neuroendocrinol.
  9. Khorram S. Dehydroepiandrosterone as a regulator of immune cell function. (2010). J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol.
  10. Kenny AM. Dehydroepiandrosterone combined with exercise improves muscle strength and physical function in frail older women. (2010). J Am Geriatr Soc.
  11. Valenti G. Role of DHEAS in the cognitive and affective functioning in the elderly. (2009). J Endocrinol Investig.
  12. Paolisso G. Insulin resistance and advancing age: what role for dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate? (1997). Metabolism.
  13. Straub RH. Serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate are negatively correlated with serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), and DHEA inhibits IL-6 secretion from mononuclear cells in man in vitro: possible link between endocrinosenescence and immunosenescence. (1998). J Clin Endocrinol Metab.
  14. Friedrich N. Reference Ranges for Serum Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate and Testosterone in Adult Men. (2008). J Androl. View Source
  15. Baylis D. Understanding how we age: insights into inflammaging. (2013). Longev Healthspan. View Source
  16. Jankowski CM. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone replacement on bone mineral density in older adults: a randomized, controlled trial. (2006). J Clin Endocrinol Metab.
  17. Schmidt PJ. Dehydroepiandrosterone monotherapy in midlife-onset major and minor depression. (2005). Arch Gen Psychiatry.
  18. Simpson ER. Aromatase—A Brief Overview. (2002). Annu Rev Physiol.
  19. Weiss EP. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) replacement decreases insulin resistance and lowers inflammatory cytokines in aging humans. (2011). Aging (Albany NY).
  20. Orentreich N. Age changes and sex differences in serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations throughout adulthood. (1984). J Clin Endocrinol Metab.
  21. Maninger N. Neurobiological and neuropsychiatric effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate (DHEAS). (2009). Front Neuroendocrinol.
  22. Buford TW. Impact of DHEA(S) and cortisol on immune function in aging: a brief review. (2008). Appl Physiol Nutr Metab.
  23. Villareal DT. DHEA enhances effects of weight training on muscle mass and strength in elderly women and men. (2006). Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab.
  24. Baulieu EE. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate, and aging: contribution of the DHEAge Study to a sociobiomedical issue. (2000). PNAS.
  25. Ohlsson C. Low serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate predict all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in elderly Swedish men. (2010). J Clin Endocrinol Metab.
  26. Labrie F. DHEA and its transformation into androgens and estrogens in peripheral target tissues: intracrinology. (2001). Front Neuroendocrinol.
  27. Finckh A. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of dehydroepiandrosterone in women with fibromyalgia: androgenic side effects. (2005). Arthritis Rheum. View Source

What DHEAS Measures

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is the sulfated storage form of DHEA — a steroid hormone produced almost exclusively by the adrenal cortex (the outer layer of the adrenal glands). The sulfated form (DHEAS) circulates at concentrations 100–500 times higher than DHEA itself, has a longer half-life (~10–20 hours vs. ~1–3 hours for DHEA), and is not subject to diurnal variation — making it the preferred clinical measure of adrenal androgen status.

DHEAS serves as a precursor for both androgens (testosterone, dihydrotestosterone) and estrogens through peripheral conversion in tissues including skin, breast, prostate, and brain — a process called intracrinology. This peripheral conversion means DHEAS influences sex hormone activity in tissues without necessarily raising circulating testosterone or estrogen levels.

Importantly, DHEAS levels peak in the mid-twenties (around 400–500 µg/dL in men; 250–400 µg/dL in women) and then decline at approximately 1–2% per year throughout adulthood. By age 70–80, levels are typically 20–30% of peak values. This consistent age-related decline has made DHEAS a subject of significant interest in longevity and healthy ageing research. See the Hormonal Balance topic page and the understanding hormones blood test guide.

DHEAS Reference Ranges by Age and Sex

Age (years) Men (µg/dL) Women (µg/dL) Note
18 – 29280 – 64065 – 380Peak decade; levels highest
30 – 39120 – 52045 – 270Beginning of age-related decline
40 – 4995 – 53032 – 240—
50 – 5970 – 31026 – 200Post-menopausal women often at lower end
60 – 6942 – 29013 – 130—
70+28 – 17510 – 90Age-adjusted range; lower values normal

Source: Compiled from Tietz Textbook and published population studies (Orentreich, 1984; Labrie, 2001). DHEAS is typically reported in µg/dL in the US and µmol/L in Europe (multiply µg/dL by 0.027 to get µmol/L). Ranges vary substantially between laboratories. Because DHEAS declines with age, always use age-specific reference intervals.

What Low DHEAS Means

Low DHEAS (below the age-adjusted reference range) may reflect:

  • Adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease or secondary adrenal insufficiency): When the adrenal glands are damaged or insufficiently stimulated by ACTH, DHEAS falls below age-expected levels — often alongside low cortisol and electrolyte disturbances
  • Adrenal suppression from corticosteroid therapy: Chronic use of oral or systemic glucocorticoids suppresses adrenal DHEAS production
  • Hypopituitarism: Low ACTH from pituitary disease reduces adrenal stimulation and DHEAS output
  • Premature adrenal ageing (adrenopause): Some individuals experience accelerated DHEAS decline beyond the expected age-related pattern
  • Chronic severe illness: Systemic illness and critical care are associated with acute drops in DHEAS, likely reflecting metabolic stress

Research associations with low DHEAS include: increased all-cause mortality in elderly men (Ohlsson et al., 2010 — each SD decrease in DHEAS associated with 36% higher mortality risk); reduced bone mineral density; impaired insulin sensitivity; higher inflammatory markers (IL-6, CRP); and cognitive decline. These are observational associations — causality is not established. See Bone Health and Energy & Fatigue topic pages.

What High DHEAS Means

Elevated DHEAS above the age-adjusted reference range raises concern for excess adrenal androgen production:

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women: Approximately 25–35% of women with PCOS have elevated DHEAS alongside high testosterone; DHEAS elevation suggests adrenal contribution to androgen excess
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH): Enzyme defects in cortisol synthesis divert precursors towards androgens including DHEA; often detected in childhood but can present in adults (non-classical CAH)
  • Adrenal tumour (adenoma or rarely carcinoma): Markedly elevated DHEAS (>700–800 µg/dL) warrants adrenal imaging to exclude tumour
  • DHEA supplementation: OTC DHEA supplements are legal in the US; they predictably raise DHEAS levels, which should be disclosed when testing

Symptoms of high DHEAS in women include: excess facial or body hair (hirsutism), acne, oily skin, male-pattern hair loss, and menstrual irregularity. Men are generally less affected by moderately elevated DHEAS due to higher baseline androgen levels.

Conditions Associated with DHEAS Levels

  • Bone health: DHEAS supports bone mineral density via conversion to estrogens and direct effects; low DHEAS is associated with faster bone loss in older adults. Studies of DHEA replacement have shown modest improvement in bone density at the hip in women. See Bone Health
  • Cognitive function: DHEAS receptors exist in the brain; observational studies associate low DHEAS with cognitive decline in older adults, but RCT evidence for DHEA supplementation improving cognition is inconsistent
  • Depression and mood: DHEAS has been investigated as an antidepressant; one NIH-sponsored RCT found significant improvement in mild-to-moderate depression vs. placebo (Wolkowitz et al., JAMA, 1999). See Hormonal Balance
  • Insulin resistance: Low DHEAS is associated with higher insulin resistance markers; some trials suggest DHEA replacement improves insulin sensitivity in older adults
  • Muscle mass and physical function: Studies in older adults with low DHEAS have found associations with reduced muscle mass; DHEA replacement combined with exercise may support muscle strength in elderly women. See Energy & Fatigue

Tracking DHEAS Over Time

DHEAS is unusual among hormones in that it does not fluctuate significantly within a day (no significant diurnal variation), making any time of day suitable for testing. It does not require fasting. Annual monitoring is typical for people with adrenal conditions or those taking DHEA supplements. For healthy adults interested in longevity and hormonal ageing tracking, measuring DHEAS every 1–2 years provides a trend line against the expected age-related decline.

Related Markers

  • Total Testosterone and Free Testosterone — DHEAS is a precursor; elevated DHEAS with elevated testosterone suggests adrenal androgen excess
  • Cortisol — also produced by the adrenal glands; often tested with DHEAS to evaluate adrenal function; the DHEAS:cortisol ratio is sometimes used clinically
  • FSH and LH — important for distinguishing ovarian from adrenal androgen excess in women with PCOS
  • Vitamin D (25-OH) — often co-deficient in older adults; both relate to bone health and immune ageing
  • IGF-1 — another ageing-associated hormone that declines with age; measured alongside DHEAS in comprehensive longevity panels

Frequently Asked Questions About DHEAS

What is a normal DHEAS level?

DHEAS reference ranges are highly age- and sex-dependent. In young adult men (18–29), normal values are approximately 280–640 µg/dL; in young adult women, 65–380 µg/dL. These ranges decline predictably with age, so normal for a 60-year-old is quite different from normal for a 30-year-old. Always use your laboratory's age- and sex-specific reference intervals.

What is the difference between DHEA and DHEAS?

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is the free hormone form; DHEAS is DHEA with a sulfate group attached. DHEAS circulates at much higher concentrations, has a much longer half-life, and does not vary significantly during the day. DHEAS is the preferred clinical test because its stability makes it more reproducible. DHEA supplements (sold OTC) raise both DHEA and DHEAS in the blood.

Should I take DHEA supplements?

DHEA is sold as an OTC supplement in the US (though prescription-only in many countries) and is sometimes marketed for anti-ageing, libido, and energy. Clinical evidence supports modest benefits in specific populations — particularly women with adrenal insufficiency, older adults with low bone density, and people with documented DHEAS deficiency. For the general population, the evidence is weaker and potential androgenic side effects (acne, hair growth, mood changes in women) warrant caution. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting DHEA supplements, particularly given its hormonal activity.

Does DHEAS decline with age in both men and women?

Yes — DHEAS declines predictably in both sexes from the mid-twenties at approximately 1–2% per year. By age 70, most people have DHEAS levels that are 20–30% of their peak values. This age-related decline in adrenal androgen production is called "adrenopause" or "adrenal androgen decline" — unlike menopause or andropause, it is gradual and does not involve acute hormonal shifts.

Can high DHEAS cause acne and hair loss?

Yes — elevated DHEAS increases availability of androgens (testosterone, DHT) through peripheral conversion. In the skin and hair follicles, this can cause increased sebum production (acne), male-pattern hair loss, and hirsutism (unwanted hair growth in women). If you have acne or hair changes with elevated DHEAS, evaluation for PCOS, non-classical CAH, or adrenal tumour is appropriate.

Do I need to fast before a DHEAS blood test?

No — DHEAS does not fluctuate significantly with meals or time of day. Fasting is not required. If you take DHEA supplements, you should disclose this to your healthcare provider and consider whether to pause supplementation before testing (typically for at least 2–4 weeks) if the goal is to assess endogenous adrenal production.

Medical Disclaimer

This page is for educational purposes only. DHEAS reference ranges are age- and sex-specific and vary between laboratories. DHEA supplementation has hormonal activity and potential side effects; consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting. Abnormal DHEAS levels require clinical evaluation to identify the underlying cause. Health3 is a tracking and awareness tool, not a diagnostic service.

Save this biomarker reference for your medical appointments

Track DHEAS in Health3

Monitor your biomarkers, visualize trends, and share insights with your care team.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play