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What is the DHEA Test?
Dehydroepiandrosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands located above the kidneys. DHEA aids in the production of other hormones such as testosterone in men and estrogen in women.Â
When you’re a young adult, your natural DHEA levels are at their peak. As you get older, they get lower. DHEA is converted to DHEA-S in your adrenal glands and liver (DHEA-sulfate). Â
The DHEA-S test is used to see if your adrenal glands function perfectly. It determines how much DHEA-S is in your circulation.
This blood test is frequently performed on women who appear to have an excess of masculine hormones. It can also be done when a woman’s sexual desire is low or a male enters puberty too soon.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the DHEA Test used for?
DHEAS tests to determine the amounts of a steroid hormone that your body converts to estrogen and androgens (testosterone). A high test result might mean you have an adrenal tumor or PCOS, whereas a low test result could mean you have Addison's disease.
Understanding the test results of the DHEA Test
- DHEA stands for Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate
- DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) levels in the blood are measured with this test. DHEA is a male sex hormone that both the genders produce.Â
- If your DHEA levels are abnormal, it might indicate that your adrenal glands or sex organs malfunction (whether testicles or ovaries.)
Why do I need the DHEA Test?
A DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) test is most commonly used to:
- Determine whether or not your adrenal glands are functioning precisely.
- Diagnosis of Adrenal gland tumors.Â
- Analyze testicular and ovarian diseases.
What happens during the test?
- The blood sample is taken from the vein using a tiny needle by the physician.
- Thus, the blood sample is collected into a test tube once the needle is placed on the arm. The overall process may cause pain while inserting in and out the hand.
What does it mean if your DHEA is high?
A common genetic disease termed congenital adrenal hyperplasia may cause an elevation in DHEA-sulfate. If your DHEA-S level is high, it implies your body is producing a high-level secretion of hormones. Adrenal cancer, tumors, or excessive development of adrenal hormone-producing tissue may all contribute to this excess (hyperplasia).Â
An adrenal gland tumor can be benign or cancerous. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a prevalent issue among women under 55. Your adrenal glands may not be producing enough hormones if your DHEA level is low.
What causes high DHEA levels in males?
If you encounter have high levels of DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) in your blood, you might be suffering from one of the following conditions:Â
- Malignant or benign adrenal tumors
- Adrenocortical carcinoma.
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
What does DHEA do for females?
The most abundant circulating sex steroid hormones in women are dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which provide a significant precursor for the intracellular manufacture of androgens and estrogens in non-reproductive tissues. DHEA levels decrease as people become older.
When should you test DHEA?
- This DHEA test should be done at least one week before or after your monthly cycle. Oral supplementation with DHEA might also have an impact on your outcomes.
- The DHEA-sulfate test is commonly used in women who exhibit too much male hormone. These indicators are male bodily changes, excessive hair growth, greasy complexion, acne, irregular menstrual cycles, and pregnancy difficulties.
What are the symptoms of too much DHEA?
Some of the possible symptoms of DHEA include:
- Excessive body and facial hair developmentÂ
- Menstrual abnormalitiesÂ
- Acne.
- Change in voice tone.
- Fertility problems
- Hair thinning on the head.
Can DHEA affect thyroid levels?
Yes, the DHEA affects thyroid levels. These findings imply that dehydroepiandrosterone influences energy balance via altering thyroid hormone levels and, as a result, raising the metabolic rate and lowering fat storage.
Reach us! Get a medical opinion on the uses, side effects, and precautions of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate) tests by consulting our specialists at Yashoda Hospitals.
References:
- Hinson, J. (1999). DHEA deficiency syndrome: a new term for old age?. Journal of Endocrinology, 163(1), 1–5. doi:10.1677/joe.0.1630001
- Mulligan, E. M., Hajcak, G., Crisler, S., & Meyer, A. (2020). Increased dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is associated with anxiety in adolescent girls. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 119, 104751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104751Â
- Celec P, Stárka L. Dehydroepiandrosterone – is the fountain of youth drying out? Physiol Res. 2003;52(4):397-407. PMID: 12899651.
- Baker WL, Karan S, Kenny AM. Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on muscle strength and physical function in older adults: a systematic review. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2011 Jun;59(6):997-1002. DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2011.03410.x.
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