DHEA-S is a stored form of DHEA and an early building block for sex hormones. The adrenal glands, above the kidneys, make almost all of it. You may have this test to check how much androgen (male-type hormone) the adrenal glands make. It helps look into acne or extra body hair.

What is a normal Adrenal androgen level range?

A typical adult range is around Women (18–29 yrs): 44–332 µg/dL; Women (30–39 yrs): 31–228 µg/dL; Men (18–29 yrs): 280–640 µg/dL; Men (30–39 yrs): 120–520 µg/dL; declines significantly with age. No India-specific national reference interval is published for this parameter; your lab's printed range is the most reliable comparison. Ranges vary by lab, method and equipment — the range printed on your own report is the one that applies to your result.

DHEA-S — What It Means in Your Blood Test

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This is a building-block hormone from the adrenal glands that the body turns into sex hormones.

A DHEA-S reading measures a hormone your adrenal glands release before it becomes something more active. Doctors read your figure beside other results to understand what it may mean for you.

Also known as: Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, DHEAS, Adrenal androgen, DHEA sulfate

Best within range, not higher or lower

This isn't a case where higher or lower is better. Your body keeps it in a narrow band, and both directions can matter.

Last reviewed: 2026-08-16

What does DHEA-S do in your body?

Your body converts this raw material into testosterone and estrogen, so it feeds drive, energy, and mood in both sexes. Because it comes almost wholly from above the kidneys, it mirrors how those glands are working. When acne, unwanted hair, or cycle changes prompt questions, it points a clinician toward the source [Endocrine Society, 2019].

What is DHEA-S?

DHEA-S is a stored form of DHEA and an early building block for sex hormones. The adrenal glands, above the kidneys, make almost all of it.

Why is DHEA-S tested?

You may have this test to check how much androgen (male-type hormone) the adrenal glands make. It helps look into acne or extra body hair.

What is a normal DHEA-S range?

India: No India-specific national reference interval is published for this parameter; your lab's printed range is the most reliable comparison.
Global: Women (18–29 yrs): 44–332 µg/dL; Women (30–39 yrs): 31–228 µg/dL; Men (18–29 yrs): 280–640 µg/dL; Men (30–39 yrs): 120–520 µg/dL; declines significantly with age

Ranges vary by lab, method and equipment — the range printed on your own report is the one that applies to your result.

Source: [Endocrine Society, 2019]

What does your DHEA-S value mean?

There is no widely-accepted set of value bands for this parameter. Compare your result with the reference range printed on your own report, and discuss it with your doctor.

What does a high DHEA-S result mean?

A high result can link to overactive adrenal glands, certain adrenal growths, or an inherited adrenal condition. Your doctor can help interpret it.

What does a low DHEA-S result mean?

A low result is common as you age. It can also go with adrenal glands or the pituitary making too little and is worth discussing with your doctor.

What can affect your DHEA-S result?

Age (peaks in early adulthood, then falls)
Sex
Adrenal gland function
Steroids taken from an outside source
Insulin resistance

Questions to ask your doctor

About this result

What does my DHEA-S result mean for me specifically, given my age and health?
Is my DHEA-S in the range that is right for me, not just the lab's general range?

What to do next

Could anything I eat, do, or take have affected my Adrenal androgen level result?
Is there anything I should do about my DHEA-S, or is it fine to leave as it is?

About retesting

Does my DHEA-S need to be repeated, and if so, when?
The typical range for DHEA-S can vary between labs — should I compare my result against my own lab's printed range?

The bigger picture

Should my DHEA-S be looked at together with my Total Testosterone and Free Testosterone result?
Does my DHEA-S connect to any condition I already have, or to anything I have noticed in how I feel?

Frequently asked questions

What is DHEA-S?: DHEA-S is a stored form of DHEA and an early building block for sex hormones. The adrenal glands, above the kidneys, make almost all of it. You may have this test to check how much androgen (male-type hormone) the adrenal glands make. It helps look into acne or extra body hair.
What is a normal Adrenal androgen level range?: A typical adult range is around Women (18–29 yrs): 44–332 µg/dL; Women (30–39 yrs): 31–228 µg/dL; Men (18–29 yrs): 280–640 µg/dL; Men (30–39 yrs): 120–520 µg/dL; declines significantly with age. No India-specific national reference interval is published for this parameter; your lab's printed range is the most reliable comparison. Ranges vary by lab, method and equipment — the range printed on your own report is the one that applies to your result.
What does a high DHEA-S result mean?: A high result can link to overactive adrenal glands, certain adrenal growths, or an inherited adrenal condition. Your doctor can help interpret it.
What does a low DHEA-S result mean?: A low result is common as you age. It can also go with adrenal glands or the pituitary making too little and is worth discussing with your doctor.
What can affect your DHEA-S result?: Several everyday factors can influence it, including Age (peaks in early adulthood, then falls), Sex, Adrenal gland function, Steroids taken from an outside source, Insulin resistance.

Sources

Endocrine Society (2019) — Endocrine Society clinical reference ranges for adrenal androgens

Part of the Hormones

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