DHEA-S

Precursor hormone for testosterone and estrogen

16/22Providers
Sex Hormones (Male)Category
fatigueReference
Widely Available

16 of 22 providers

Category

Sex Hormones (Male)

Reference Range

fatigue

What is DHEA-S?

DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is the sulfated, stable form of DHEA, a precursor hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands (95% adrenal, 5% gonads in men, some ovarian production in women). DHEA and DHEA-S are the most abundant steroid hormones in your body and serve as building blocks for other hormones, including testosterone, estrogen, and other androgens. DHEA-S has a much longer half-life than DHEA (7-10 hours vs 15-30 minutes), making it a more reliable marker of adrenal androgen production.

Here's the key insight:DHEA-S declines dramatically with age—it peaks in your mid-20s and drops by about 80% by age 70-80. This decline is so predictable that DHEA-S is sometimes called a "biomarker of aging."Low DHEA-S is associated with accelerated aging, increased mortality, frailty, cognitive decline, and reduced quality of life. However, the evidence for DHEA supplementation is mixed:some studies show benefits for mood, bone density, and body composition in older adults, while others show minimal effect.

DHEA-S is also a marker of adrenal function. Very low levels may indicate adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease or hypopituitarism), while very high levels in women often point to PCOS, adrenal hyperplasia, or adrenal tumors. Unlike cortisol (which fluctuates throughout the day), DHEA-S is stable and doesn't require specific timing for testing.

Why DHEA-S Matters for Longevity

  • Precursor to sex hormones:DHEA-S converts to testosterone and estrogen, supporting libido, muscle mass, bone density, and overall vitality.
  • Neuroprotection:DHEA has neuroprotective effects and may support cognitive function, mood, and protect against neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Immune function:DHEA modulates immune response and has anti-inflammatory properties. Low DHEA-S associated with increased infection risk and autoimmune disease.
  • Bone density:DHEA supports bone formation and may reduce fracture risk in older adults with low levels.
  • Body composition:DHEA may help preserve lean muscle mass and reduce visceral fat accumulation with aging.
  • Longevity marker:Higher DHEA-S levels in older adults are associated with reduced all-cause mortality and better healthspan.

Optimal vs Standard Ranges

Optimal (Men 20-30)
280-640 mcg/dL▼
  • Peak DHEA-S levels in young adults
  • Levels decline ~2% per year after age 30
Optimal (Men 40-50)
120-520 mcg/dL▼
  • Age-appropriate range for middle-aged men
  • Supplementation may be considered if <150 mcg/dL with symptoms
Optimal (Men 60+)
80-350 mcg/dL▼
  • Expected range for older men
  • Low-normal or below may benefit from DHEA supplementation (25-50 mg/day)
Optimal (Women 20-30)
145-395 mcg/dL▼
  • Peak levels in young women
  • Note:Women have lower DHEA-S than men at all ages
Standard lab range: fatigue
Sources:PMID:28476876, PMID:32921089, PMID:20610590

Scientific Evidence

Low DHEA-S is expected with aging but very low levels (<50 mcg/dL in adults <60) may indicate adrenal insufficiency or accelerated aging.

Acne, oily skin (especially in women on DHEA supplementation)|Increased facial or body hair (hirsutism in women)|Male-pattern baldness in women|Irregular menstrual periods, anovulation (women)|Deepening voice (women, if very high)|Mood changes, irritability|Insulin resistance (in PCOS with high DHEA-S)

Source:High DHEA-S in women often indicates PCOS or adrenal hyperplasia. In men, high DHEA-S is less clinically significant unless extremely elevated (>800 mcg/dL, suggesting adrenal tumor). (PubMed)

Aging:Natural decline of 2%/year after age 30. By age 70-80, DHEA-S is 80% lower than peak.|Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease):Autoimmune destruction of adrenal cortex. DHEA-S, cortisol, and aldosterone all low. ACTH elevated.|Secondary adrenal insufficiency (pituitary failure):Tumor, surgery, or Sheehan syndrome causes low ACTH→low cortisol and DHEA-S.|Chronic stress and overtraining:Prolonged HPA axis activation can deplete adrenal DHEA production.|Hypopituitarism:Pituitary damage from tumor, radiation, or trauma suppresses ACTH.|Medications:Opioids, glucocorticoids can suppress DHEA production.

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome):Insulin resistance drives ovarian and adrenal androgen production. Most common cause of high DHEA-S in women.|Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH):21-hydroxylase enzyme deficiency causes androgen excess. Usually milder than classic CAH.|Adrenal tumors:Adrenocortical carcinoma or adenoma can overproduce DHEA-S. Consider if DHEA-S >800 mcg/dL.|Cushing's syndrome:Excess cortisol production may be accompanied by elevated adrenal androgens.|Ovarian tumors (rare):Some ovarian tumors secrete androgens.

Source:If considering DHEA supplementation:Baseline DHEA-S, then retest 3 months after starting supplementation to ensure appropriate dosing and monitor for excess.|If very low (<40 mcg/dL):Check cortisol and ACTH to rule out adrenal insufficiency before attributing to aging.|If high in women:Check testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and consider pelvic ultrasound to evaluate for PCOS or adrenal pathology.|Age-based monitoring:DHEA-S declines predictably with age. Can retest every 2-3 years in adults >40 to track trajectory and consider supplementation if symptomatic with low levels.|No specific timing needed:Unlike cortisol, DHEA-S is stable throughout the day. Can be tested any time. (PubMed)

DHEA-S Decline with Aging

DHEA-S peaks at age 20-30 (300-600 mcg/dL in men, 200-400 mcg/dL in women) and declines ~2%/year. By age 70-80, levels are 10-20% of peak. This decline is so consistent that DHEA-S is sometimes called a "biomarker of aging."Lower DHEA-S in older adults correlates with frailty, cognitive decline, and mortality.

Source:Orentreich N, et al. Age changes and sex differences in serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1984;59(3):551-555. (PubMed)

DHEA Supplementation and Mortality

Observational studies show higher DHEA-S levels in older adults are associated with 20-30% lower all-cause mortality. However, randomized controlled trials of DHEA supplementation show mixed results:some show improvements in bone density, body composition, and well-being, while others show no benefit. Benefits may be greatest in those with very low baseline levels.

Source:Samaras N, et al. A review of age-related dehydroepiandrosterone decline and its association with well-known geriatric syndromes. Rejuvenation Res. 2013;16(4):285-294.

DHEA and Bone Density

DHEA supports bone formation via conversion to estrogen and testosterone. Meta-analyses show DHEA supplementation (50 mg/day) modestly increases bone mineral density in older adults, particularly in women >60. Effects are smaller than standard HRT but may be useful in those who cannot or will not take estrogen.

Source:Weiss EP, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement therapy in older adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2009;94(10):4103-4110.

Which Providers Test DHEA-S?

Superpower
Included in panel
Blueprint
Included in panel
Mito Health
Included in panel
WHOOP
Included in panel
Function
Included in panel
InsideTracker
Included in panel
Marek Comp.
Included in panel
Marek Complete
Included in panel
Marek Exec.
Included in panel
Life Ext.
Included in panel
Everlywell
Included in panel
SiPhox Health
Included in panel
Healthspan
Included in panel
Hims Adv.
Included in panel
Vitality Std
Included in panel
Vitality Elite
Included in panel

Full Provider Comparison

ProviderIncludesAnnual CostBiomarkers
SuperpowerSuperpower✓$199100+ (150 with ratios)
WHOOP Advanced LabsWHOOP Advanced Labs✓$34965
Labcorp OnDemandLabcorp OnDemand—$39830+
Life ExtensionLife Extension✓$48640+
EverlywellEverlywell✓$444288
Mito HealthMito Health✓$349100+
InsideTrackerInsideTracker✓$76154
Function HealthFunction Health✓$365160+
Marek Health BaseMarek Health Base—$25065
Marek Health ComprehensiveMarek Health Comprehensive✓$49570+
Marek Health CompleteMarek Health Complete✓$895100+
Marek Health ExecutiveMarek Health Executive✓$1950150+
BlueprintBlueprint✓$37580+
Quest HealthQuest Health—$Varies75+
Empirical HealthEmpirical Health—$190100+
Oura Health PanelsOura Health Panels—$9950
SiPhox HealthSiPhox Health✓$12460
Hims Labs BaseHims Labs Base—$19950
Hims Labs AdvancedHims Labs Advanced✓$499120+
HealthspanHealthspan✓$418870-80+
Vitality Blueprint StandardVitality Blueprint Standard✓$37585
Vitality Blueprint EliteVitality Blueprint Elite✓$700128

Related Biomarkers

These biomarkers are often tested together with DHEA-S or provide complementary health insights:

Cortisol Total Testosterone Estradiol (E2)
Why test together: Cortisol for adrenal function

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DHEA-S?

Precursor hormone for testosterone and estrogen

What is the optimal range for DHEA-S?

The standard reference range for DHEA-S is fatigue. Optimal ranges may differ based on individual health goals and expert recommendations.

Which blood test providers include DHEA-S?

16 out of 22 blood testing providers include DHEA-S in their panels. This biomarker is widely available across major providers.

What category does DHEA-S fall under?

DHEA-S is categorized under Sex Hormones (Male). This category includes biomarkers that help assess related aspects of health and wellness.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Last reviewed:2026-02-20