Educational information only. At Precursor, hormone testing is requested and reviewed by a clinician and considered alongside your history and other markers, not as a stand-alone diagnosis. Testing is performed in NATA-accredited laboratories to ISO 15189 standards.

What is DHEA-S?

DHEA-S, or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, is a hormone made mainly by the adrenal glands. It acts as a building block that the body can convert into other sex hormones, including testosterone and oestrogen. Its level is fairly stable through the day, which makes it a convenient marker of adrenal output.

Why it matters

DHEA-S gives a read on the androgen-producing activity of your adrenal glands. It is useful when investigating hormonal symptoms, and because it declines gradually with age, it is sometimes discussed in the context of ageing and hormonal balance.

What your results can mean

Higher than expected

A high DHEA-S points toward increased adrenal androgen production and is interpreted alongside your other sex hormones and symptoms.

Lower than expected

A low DHEA-S can reflect reduced adrenal output and naturally tends to decline with age. It is read within the overall hormonal picture rather than alone.

Reference ranges in Australia

DHEA-S is reported in micromoles per litre (µmol/L), and reference ranges depend strongly on age and sex, declining as you get older. Read your result against your own report and with a clinician.

Understanding your hormones with Precursor

DHEA-S is best read within your wider hormonal picture. At Precursor, hormone testing is requested and reviewed by a clinician, so your result is read in context. If this is something you would like to understand, you can speak with Precursor's clinical team about whether testing is right for you.