DHEA‐S (DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE SULFATE) TEST
DESCRIPTION The DHEA‐S Test helps in evaluating your adrenal gland function.
Your adrenal glands are two small pieces of tissue that sit atop each kidney. They produce and release certain regulatory hormones and chemical messengers, one of which is Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate or DHEA‐S for short. It’s a natural steroid hormone produced from cholesterol and it purpose is to serve as a precursor to male and female sex hormones. This hormone is also associated with immune and stress response.
Results will depend on sex, age, and other disorders that you may already have.
WHY DO I NEED THIS TEST? Some research indicates that DHEA‐S may cause higher than normal levels of androgens and estrogens (sex hormones) in the body, and may increase your risk of prostate, breast, ovarian, and other hormone‐ sensitive cancers.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY LAB TEST RESULTS? Test results generally take between 24 to 72 business hours after your specimen is collected.
AM I REQUIRED TO FAST FOR THIS LAB TEST? Yes. Do not eat for 10‐12 hours before taking the panel to ensure its accuracy.
OTHER RELEVANT LAB TESTS Customers interested in DHEA‐S often choose to upgrade to one of the following Value Panels (which include the DHEA‐S in them): Growth Hormone Panel, Comprehensive Male Panel, Comprehensive Female Panel, Male Health Profile or Female Health Profile.
WRITTEN BY: EKAN ESSIEN, MD, MPH MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Ekan Essien, MD, MPH, a native Georgian, received his BA from Duke University. Dr. Essien continued his education at Florida A&M University where he received his Masters of Public Health in Epidemiology; received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee; and obtained training in general and trauma surgery at Grady Memorial Hospital at Morehouse School of Medicine. He is a candidate in the post graduate fellowship in anti-aging and regenera- tive medicine from the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.