What is DHEA-S?

DHEA-S on your report

It appears as DHEA-S or DHEA sulphate on a hormone panel, often next to testosterone.

Normal ranges depend heavily on:

• your age
• your sex

Each lab prints its own range, so read your value against the range on your report.

What DHEA-S tells your doctor

Doctors often check DHEA-S when a woman has signs of too many male-type hormones.

These signs include:

• extra facial or body hair
• acne
• irregular periods
• hair thinning at the top of the head

What a result can mean:

• A high level can be seen in PCOS.
• The test also helps your doctor rule out less common adrenal causes, since DHEA-S comes mainly from the adrenal glands rather than the ovaries.
• Levels peak in early adulthood and drift down with age, so a lower number in your fifties is usually expected.

What helps when DHEA-S runs high

Food doesn't change DHEA-S directly, but the habits that help PCOS overall are worth building.

• Regular meals with protein and fibre
• Fewer refined carbs and sweets
• Daily movement
• A fixed sleep time

Looking after stress and sleep supports your whole hormone system.

DHEA pills are sold over the counter and online, but don't start them on your own; talk to your doctor first, because they can change your other hormone levels.