DHEA-S Test

Q: Does DHEA-S decline with age?

Yes, DHEA-S peaks in early adulthood and declines steadily. Your healthcare provider can assess whether your level is appropriate for your age.

Q: Is DHEA-S the same as DHEA?

DHEA-S is the sulfated storage form of DHEA, with more stable blood levels. It is preferred for testing because it does not fluctuate throughout the day.

Q: Can I supplement DHEA-S?

DHEA supplements are available but should only be used under medical supervision, as they can affect other hormone levels. Consult your healthcare provider first.

DHEA-S serves as a precursor to oestrogen and testosterone in women. Monitoring supports understanding of adrenal health, hormonal balance, and age-related changes.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Reference Ranges

See the value that applies to you:

Age years

Choose male or female — this range differs by sex.

Enter your age — this range changes with age.

This range also depends on context such as cycle phase or sample material; the highlighted rows apply to your group.

Your reference range

umol/l

0,5 10,1 umol/l

Reference ranges by group, in umol/l
Sex	Age	Reference range (umol/l)	Relative scale
Female	· 21–30 years	0,6–10,1 umol/l	0,6 10,1
Female	· 31–40 years	0,5–7,8 umol/l	0,5 7,8
Female	· 41–50 years	< 6,2 umol/l	6,2
Female	· 51–60 years	< 5,8 umol/l	5,8
Female	· 61–70 years	< 3,5 umol/l	3,5
Female	· 71–80 years	< 3 umol/l	3
Female	· 81–90 years	< 2,7 umol/l	2,7

0,5 10,1 umol/l

Reference values per age decade and sex, as published in the lab guide of Maastricht UMC+. For the bands published as "< value" (women from 41 years, men from 51 years) the source gives no lower limit: a low result therefore gets no verdict, because the source says nothing about it. DHEA-S falls sharply with age and does not depend on the menstrual cycle. There are no bands below 21 or above 90 years. Note: laboratories and measurement methods differ considerably in the reference values they use for DHEA-S, in both the lower and the upper limits. So always go by the reference value on your own result.

Source: Maastricht UMC+, Centraal Diagnostisch Laboratorium Reference population: MUMC+ lab guide (Maastricht UMC+, DHEA-S reference values)

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Check your own value

DHEA-S: what this test measures

This test measures the blood concentration of DHEA-S, the sulfated storage form of DHEA. Because DHEA-S levels remain stable throughout the day, it is a reliable indicator of adrenal androgen production.

DHEA-S: why this value matters

DHEA-S imbalances in women may affect skin, hair, menstrual regularity, and overall hormonal harmony. Elevated levels could suggest androgen excess conditions. Consult your healthcare provider.

DHEA-S: how the blood test works

Referral: No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw: A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Where: 650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

DHEA-S: when is testing worthwhile?

Testing may be recommended when evaluating adrenal function, investigating symptoms of androgen excess or deficiency, or assessing age-related hormonal decline.

DHEA-S: symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Some people may experience chronic fatigue, decreased libido, reduced muscle mass, or low mood when DHEA-S levels are below the expected range. These symptoms could suggest adrenal depletion.

High Levels

Some people may experience acne, oily skin, excessive hair growth, or hair thinning when DHEA-S levels are elevated. In women, this could suggest an androgen-related hormonal imbalance.

DHEA-S: what to do about an abnormal value

Female

If Low

Low DHEA-S may indicate adrenal insufficiency. Consider comprehensive adrenal evaluation if symptomatic.

If High

High DHEA-S may indicate PCOS or adrenal disorders. Consider PCOS evaluation, especially with irregular periods or hirsutism.

DHEA-S: lifestyle and this value

Adequate sleep, regular moderate exercise, and effective stress management may support healthy DHEA-S production. Avoiding chronic overtraining and ensuring sufficient recovery time could also be beneficial. Discuss supplementation only with your healthcare provider.

DHEA-S: frequently asked questions

Does DHEA-S decline with age?

Yes, DHEA-S peaks in early adulthood and declines steadily. Your healthcare provider can assess whether your level is appropriate for your age.

Is DHEA-S the same as DHEA?

DHEA-S is the sulfated storage form of DHEA, with more stable blood levels. It is preferred for testing because it does not fluctuate throughout the day.

Can I supplement DHEA-S?

DHEA supplements are available but should only be used under medical supervision, as they can affect other hormone levels. Consult your healthcare provider first.

DHEA-S: sources

Maastricht UMC+, Centraal Diagnostisch Laboratorium. Referentiewaarden DHEA-S (labgids / bepalingenwijzer). Geraadpleegd 14-07-2026. Zeven leeftijdsdecennia per geslacht, in umol/l. De bron vermeldt geen percentielbasis, geen aantal en geen methode. (retrieved 2026) diagnostiekenadvies.mumc.nl

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