DHEA Sulphate Test – Everything You Need to Know

What is DHEA Sulphate?

DHEAS stands for Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate. It is a version of a male hormone¹. However, DHEAS is present in both males and females. As a male hormone, DHEAS is part of the process for development through puberty. Additionally, DHEAS also has the ability to change into other stronger hormones. This includes male hormones such as testosterone and androstenedione. And also the female hormone, oestrogen¹.

The DHEAS hormone is made from cholesterol through a complex 4 stage chemical reaction that occurs in the cells of the organs that produce the hormone².

What does a DHEA Sulphate test measure?

The DHEA Sulphate test measures the sulphated version of the DHEA hormone. Produced mainly by the adrenal glands, with smaller contributions by the sexual organs, DHEAS is controlled by the pituitary hormones¹. Therefore, measuring levels of DHEAS is a good method for assessing the adrenal glands¹.

Additionally, DHEAS levels can be used to assess puberty status in both boys and girls if puberty has difficulty progressing naturally¹.

At ElevateMe, we measure DHEAS as a secondary marker to testosterone as they have very similar roles within the body.

The advantage of measuring DHEAS instead of DHEA is that the sulphated version of the hormone does not follow a cycle of varying levels within a 24 hour period unlike DHEA and other hormones like cortisol³.

Why is it important to get a DHEA Sulphate test?

Due to DHEAS having the ability to change into several different hormones, it is important to ensure you have the correct amount available. Shortages can have an impact on the resulting hormone levels of testosterone, androstenedione and oestrogen. This can have an effect on male/female characteristics, energy levels, and fitness.

At ElevateMe, we test your blood biomarkers with a home blood test kit. Then, our health algorithm calculates scores across 7 performance areas. We use your DHEAS levels as one of the blood biomarkers involved in calculating your Fitness score.

What role does testosterone have in the body?

Essentially a male hormone, testosterone is heavily involved in the development of male puberty. However, testosterone has other roles including maintaining muscle mass⁴. For more information on testosterone, please check out our post on the testosterone test.

What role does androstenedione have in the body?

Androstenedione is another male hormone that can be converted into testosterone or oestrogen⁵. This hormone is made within the sexual organs alongside the adrenal glands⁵. Androstenedione can also be used as a performance-enhancing drug due to the body converting it into an anabolic steroid that acts like testosterone. This will then increase muscle mass and build⁵.

What does oestrogen do in the body?

Oestrogen is a group of female hormones that are primarily responsible for the development of the sex organs and female characteristics⁶. However, oestrogen is also found in men⁶. Oestrogen is one of the hormones that collectively works with other hormones to create a menstrual cycle⁶. Additionally, oestrogen is also included in blood clotting, breaking down fats and maintaining bone density⁶.

What are the normal values of DHEA Sulphate?

The DHEAS horomone’s levels are high at birth. However, they settle down shortly after birth before rising again during puberty¹. DHEAS levels are at their highest between the ages of 18-30 before declining throughout the remainder of the years¹.

Due to the natural decrease in the hormone’s levels with age, normal ranges vary depending on age. As a male hormone, normal levels are also gender dependent and higher in males than females.

The scales below show the reference and optimal ranges for a 30 year old female. At ElevateMe we use optimal ranges instead of reference ranges used by most blood test labs. Optimal blood ranges are calculated based on the healthiest of individuals. This means that at we compare your health profile with healthy individuals to ensure you reach optimum wellness. Select a health plan today to begin your optimum health journey with ElevateMe.

Symptoms of low DHEA Sulphate levels

Having a reduced level of DHEAS can affect your body in several ways. Because DHEAS is converted into one of several sex hormones, the impact of reduced DHEAS levels carries over to these sex hormones. Symptoms for these vary depending on the hormone in question that is reduced.

What causes low DHEA Sulphate levels?

DHEAS levels naturally reduce throughout your life following puberty. Therefore, the older you get, the higher your chances of having low DHEAS levels. There are also other medical conditions that can accelerate the DHEAS decrease, including:

• Adrenal gland conditions, such as Addison disease.
• Some medications like insulin, oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, dopamine, hepatic enzyme inducers, fish oils and vitamin E.¹

Symptoms of high DHEA sulphate

There are several symptoms of increased levels of DHEAS. However, these symptoms are less noticeable in males as they tend to be male-focused and thus merge into existing male characteristics¹.

The side effects of high DHEAS (for both, men and women) include:

• Deepened voice
• Increased body and facial hair
• Baldness
• Acne
• Enlargement of Adam’s apple
• Increased masculine characteristics¹.

Additionally, for females, increased DHEAS can cause missed periods¹.

What causes high DHEA Sulphate levels?

DHEAS levels can become elevated due to some medical conditions. These include:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Adrenal gland tumours
• Adrenal hyperplasia
• Some medications like antidiabetic drugs, nicotine, prolactin, danazol and calcium channel blockers.¹

Conclusion

Despite DHEAS not having a specific individual role within the body’s function, this pre hormone is a very useful tool as an indicator for establishing any long term issues within any of the hormones which it can change to.