DHEA-S
DHEA-S is the sulfated storage form of dehydroepiandrosterone, an adrenal androgen precursor for both testosterone and estrogen. Levels peak in the twenties and decline steadily with age. Low DHEA-S can reflect adrenal insufficiency and has been associated with fatigue and decreased libido, while very high values may indicate adrenal hyperplasia or tumors.
Units: µg/dL; some labs report µmol/L (µmol/L = µg/dL × 0.0271). Check the units on your report before comparing to any range here.
Optimal range: who says what
Institutions, researchers and practitioners draw the line in different places. Each position is listed with who holds it and, where a document states it, a link. How we verify ranges.
- Named practitioner350-500 μg/dL men / 180-350 womenLife Extension · Lab Testing Protocol (Suggested Optimal Ranges)Disclosure: Life Extension sells lab panels that appear in our blood-test comparisons.
- Lab reference intervalAge- and sex-specific. Men 18-29: 110-510 µg/dL; Women 18-29: 45-320 µg/dL; lower with each decade (MedlinePlus)What a lab report flags against. A lab interval is not an optimal target.
Practitioner targets are individual positions, often tighter than guideline ranges. Each was checked against its article before publishing.
17 of 21 itemized panels
Sex Hormones (Male)
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.
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.
Interpretation bands (curated, PMID-backed)
Holder: OptimizeBiomarkers editorial synthesis of: Prognostic Value of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate for Patients With Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Wu et al., 2017); Circulating dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate level and cardiovascular or all-cause mortality in the elderly population: a meta-analysis (Li et al., 2020); Low serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate predict all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in elderly Swedish men (Ohlsson et al., 2010). No single paper sets these cutoffs; for attributed targets see who says what.
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
- Prognostic Value of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate for Patients With Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- Circulating dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate level and cardiovascular or all-cause mortality in the elderly population: a meta-analysis.
- Low serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate predict all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in elderly Swedish men.
What raises or lowers DHEA-S
Causes of high DHEA-S
- 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.
Causes of low DHEA-S
- Aging: Steady decline after the early 20s. Above age 70, average DHEA-S is about 80% below the peak in young adults (Orentreich 1984).
- 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.
Symptoms when DHEA-S is high or low
When high
- 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)
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).
When low
- Fatigue, low energy, reduced stamina
- Decreased libido, sexual dysfunction
- Loss of muscle mass, difficulty building muscle
- Depressed mood, low motivation, reduced sense of well-being
- Cognitive decline, poor concentration, memory problems
- Reduced bone density (in very low DHEA-S)
- Dry skin, thinning hair
- Increased susceptibility to infections (weakened immune function)
- Loss of pubic and axillary hair (in severe adrenal insufficiency)
- Joint pain, muscle weakness
Low DHEA-S is expected with aging but very low levels (<50 mcg/dL in adults <60) may indicate adrenal insufficiency or accelerated aging.
How to move DHEA-S
Effect sizes (how much something moves the marker) appear only where the paper cited under the item states them. Talk to your clinician before starting or changing any medication or supplement.
DHEA Supplementation (if low for age)
- DHEA supplements: 25-50 mg/day is typical replacement dose for adults with low DHEA-S. Start low (10-25 mg) and titrate based on symptoms and retesting. Take in the morning to mimic natural circadian rhythm.
- Caution in women: DHEA converts to testosterone and can cause acne, facial hair, oily skin if dose is too high. Monitor symptoms and retest in 3 months.
- Caution in men: DHEA can convert to estrogen via aromatization. Monitor estradiol if on DHEA + TRT.
- 7-keto DHEA: Metabolite of DHEA that doesn't convert to sex hormones. May support metabolism and weight loss without androgenic/estrogenic effects. Weaker evidence than DHEA.
Address Adrenal Insufficiency (if very low <40 mcg/dL)
- Very low DHEA-S (<40 mcg/dL in adults) may indicate primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) or secondary adrenal insufficiency (pituitary failure).
- Check cortisol, ACTH, electrolytes. If confirmed adrenal insufficiency, requires hydrocortisone replacement ± fludrocortisone.
- DHEA supplementation (25-50 mg/day) may improve quality of life, mood, and libido in patients with adrenal insufficiency on glucocorticoid replacement.
Manage High DHEA-S in Women (PCOS or Adrenal Issues)
High DHEA-S in women (>400-500 mcg/dL) suggests:
- PCOS: Insulin resistance drives ovarian and adrenal androgen production. Treat with metformin, inositol, low-carb diet, weight loss.
- Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH): 21-hydroxylase deficiency causes androgen excess. Check 17-hydroxyprogesterone. May need low-dose glucocorticoid.
- Adrenal tumor: Rare but consider if DHEA-S >700-800 mcg/dL. Requires adrenal CT/MRI imaging.
Lifestyle and Nutritional Support
- Manage stress: Chronic stress depletes adrenal reserves over time. Prioritize sleep (7-9 hours), meditation, stress reduction techniques.
- Adaptogenic herbs: Ashwagandha, rhodiola, holy basil may support adrenal function and stress resilience. Modest evidence.
- Vitamin C (1-2 g/day): High concentrations in adrenal glands; supports cortisol synthesis.
- B vitamins: Pantothenic acid (B5), B6 support adrenal hormone production.
- Magnesium (400 mg/day): Critical for HPA axis regulation and stress response.
Optimize Sleep and Circadian Rhythm
- DHEA production follows circadian rhythm (peaks in morning). Poor sleep and circadian disruption impair adrenal function.
- 7-9 hours nightly, consistent sleep/wake times, morning light exposure, avoid blue light at night.
When to retest
- 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.
Scientific Evidence
DHEA-S Decline with Age
In 981 men and 481 women aged 11-89, DHEA-S peaked at age 20-24 in men (log mean 3,470 ng/mL, about 347 mcg/dL) and at 15-19 in women (2,470 ng/mL), then declined steadily. Above age 70 the means were 670 ng/mL in men and 450 ng/mL in women.
DHEA Supplementation: Limited Long-Term Evidence
DHEA levels fall with age, sometimes to 10-20% of young-adult values. Reported benefits for muscle, bone, cardiovascular disease, and sexual function come from studies too small or too short to settle its effects on aging, and long-term safety data for supplementation are lacking.
DHEA and Bone Density
In a trial of adults aged 65-75 taking 50 mg/day DHEA with vitamin D and calcium, spine bone density in women rose 1.7% in the first year and 3.6% after two years; hip density did not change. Men showed no change in bone density.
Source: Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement therapy in older adults: 1- and 2-y effects on bone.
Which Providers Test DHEA-S?
Cheapest: Mito Health at $297/year. Most comprehensive: Function Health, 160+ biomarkers for $365/year.
17 panels that include it, cheapest first
| Provider | Annual Cost | Total Biomarkers | $/Biomarker |
|---|---|---|---|
| $297 | 100+ | $2.97 | |
 Superpower | $349 | 100+ | $3.49 |
| $349 | 75+ | $4.65 | |
 WHOOP Advanced Labs | $349 | 65 | $5.37 |
 Function Health | $365 | 160+ | $2.28 |
| $365 | 100+ | $3.65 | |
| $375 | 108 | $3.47 | |
| $449 | 83 | $5.41 | |
| $495 | 80+ | $6.19 | |
| $499 | 100+ | $4.99 | |
| $700 | 138 | $5.07 | |
| $829 | 54 | $15.35 | |
| $895 | 100+ | $8.95 | |
| $996 | 59 | $16.88 | |
| $1188 | 70+ | $16.97 | |
| $1198 | 40+ | $29.95 | |
| $1950 | 130+ | $15.00 |
$/Biomarker is annual cost divided by the panel's advertised biomarker count, not the price of this one test. We track 23 blood test providers (32 plans); 21 of those plans are itemized marker by marker. Compare all of them.
4 itemized panels do not include DHEA-S
Labcorp OnDemand · Marek Health Base · Empirical Health · Oura Health Panels
11 providers not itemized in our matrix
We have not itemized these marker by marker (some sell tests one at a time), so this page cannot say whether they offer DHEA-S. Check with them directly.
Life Extension Standard · Quest Health · Ultrahuman Blood Vision · Lifeforce · Hundred Health · Personalabs · Walk-In Lab · HealthLabs · WHOOP Specialized Panels · Marek Health Essential · Vitality Blueprint Upload
Experts discussing DHEA-S
Podcast episodes where clinicians and researchers cover this marker in depth. Curated by hand; an episode is listed only when the marker is a substantial topic, not a passing mention.
- A Deep Dive Into How To Interpret The Results Of Your Blood Testing
- Cortisol Decoded: The Myths & Truths About A Hormone Crucial To Your Health
- 7 Signs Your Cortisol and Adrenals Are Broken
- Why Is My Cortisol High Even Though I'm Doing Everything Right? The DUTCH Test
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy, Hormone Testing 101, and More
- Best Of Hormone Health
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the optimal range for DHEA-S?
Named practitioners target: 350-500 μg/dL men / 180-350 women (Life Extension). Lab reference interval: Age- and sex-specific. Men 18-29: 110-510 µg/dL; Women 18-29: 45-320 µg/dL; lower with each decade (MedlinePlus). That is what a lab report flags against, not an optimal target.
Which blood test providers include DHEA-S?
17 of the 21 blood testing panels we itemize marker by marker include DHEA-S in their panels. This biomarker is widely available across major providers.
Related: YouBoost rates lifestyle and supplement interventions by evidence; HRV Zone tracks recovery trends.
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 Sep 23, 2026 · First published Sep 30, 2025