Lab test · Endocrinology
DHEA Sulphate (DHEA-S)
Adrenal male hormone level
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 2 days
- Home collection
What this test is for
Adrenal male hormone level
DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate) is a hormone made almost entirely by the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys. The body converts it into male and female sex hormones. Because it comes mainly from the adrenal glands, it helps your doctor find out whether excess male hormones are coming from the adrenals or from the ovaries or testes.
Why a doctor may order it
- Excess facial or body hair, acne or thinning scalp hair in women
- Irregular periods or suspected polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Early signs of puberty in children
- To look for adrenal gland conditions, including a rare hormone-producing adrenal growth
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
There is no need to fast or to time the sample, as DHEA-S changes little through the day. Keep taking your usual medicines, but tell your doctor if you take DHEA supplements, steroid medicines or hormonal contraception, as these can affect the result.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- The collector comes to your home at any convenient time and takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. It usually takes a few minutes and causes little discomfort.
- Report
- Within 2 days of collection.
What the results can mean
DHEA-S levels change a lot with age, peaking in early adulthood and falling afterwards, so the laboratory gives age-specific ranges. A raised level can point to the adrenal glands making too much male hormone, which can happen in PCOS, congenital adrenal hyperplasia or, rarely, an adrenal tumour. A low level can be seen with adrenal or pituitary underactivity or with steroid medicines. Your doctor will interpret it with testosterone and your symptoms.
What's included
One test: DHEA Sulphate (DHEA-S), from one blood sample.
Related tests
- Testosterone (Total)This test measures total testosterone, which includes both the testosterone bound to proteins in the blood and the small free part.
- Free TestosteroneMost testosterone in the blood is attached to proteins, mainly sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin.
- Cortisol (Morning)This test measures cortisol, a hormone made by the adrenal glands.
- Luteinising Hormone (LH)LH is a hormone made by the pituitary gland.
- ProlactinFertility & breast milk hormone৳550
- Oestradiol (E2)Female hormone (oestrogen) level৳750
Questions people ask
What is the difference between DHEA and DHEA-S?
DHEA-S is the sulphate form of DHEA. It stays in the blood longer and at steadier levels than DHEA, which makes it the more practical one to measure.
Why is DHEA-S tested in PCOS?
Some women with PCOS have raised adrenal male hormones. DHEA-S helps show whether the adrenal glands are contributing and helps rule out other causes of high male hormones.
Does a high DHEA-S mean I have a tumour?
Usually not. Mild rises are common, for example in PCOS. A very high level needs prompt further tests, which your doctor will arrange.
How much does a DHEA-S test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳750, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the DHEA-S test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the blood sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the DHEA-S report take?
The report is usually ready within 2 days of the sample being collected.