DHEA-S levels: what's normal, high and low
An adrenal hormone that serves as a precursor for sex hormones. Naturally declines with age.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
DHEA-S is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 160 – 449 mcg/dL (male, age 18–39; more bands below). At TestWell it's $32.99 all-in as DHEA-Sulfate, results in 1–3 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- mcg/dL / ug/dL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 1–3 business days
- Price
- $32.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ
DHEA-S Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| Male, age 18–39 | 160 – 449 mcg/dL |
| Male, age 40–59 | 89.0 – 360 mcg/dL |
| Male, age 60+ | 28.0 – 175 mcg/dL |
| Female, age 18–39 | 84.0 – 378 mcg/dL |
| Female, age 40–59 | 32.0 – 240 mcg/dL |
| Female, age 60+ | 26.0 – 200 mcg/dL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
What does a high DHEA-S mean?
High DHEA-S in women is most often part of PCOS; markedly high levels (more than about twice the upper limit) raise concern for an adrenal tumor or non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia and need prompt evaluation. In men, high DHEA-S is usually from supplements. DHEA-S is stable across the day and cycle, which makes it a reliable adrenal androgen marker.
Common causes of a high DHEA-S
- PCOS (mild to moderate elevation)
- DHEA supplements
- Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Adrenal tumors (rare; usually very high levels)
- Cushing's disease
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- Women: acne, excess facial/body hair, irregular periods, scalp hair thinning
- Men: usually none
What clinicians usually check next
- Total and free testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone
- Morning cortisol or Cushing's screening if other features fit
- Adrenal imaging when levels are very high
Follow-up tests at TestWell: Cortisol (AM) ($26.99), Colon Cancer Screening Test (FIT) ($59.99).
Seek care promptly if
- Rapidly progressive virilization (deepening voice, clitoral enlargement) with a high DHEA-S — prompt evaluation
Does high DHEA-S mean PCOS?
It supports it when periods are irregular and androgen symptoms are present, but PCOS is a clinical diagnosis. Very high levels point elsewhere and need imaging.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
What does a low DHEA-S mean?
DHEA-S declines steadily with age — a 70-year-old normally has a fraction of a 25-year-old's level — so a 'low' result must be judged against the age-specific range. A truly low level for age can reflect adrenal insufficiency, pituitary disease, glucocorticoid medication or chronic illness. Low DHEA-S alone, without symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, is rarely treated.
Common causes of a low DHEA-S
- Normal aging
- Glucocorticoid medication (prednisone, inhaled steroids)
- Adrenal insufficiency, pituitary disease
- Chronic illness, anorexia nervosa
- Oral estrogens
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- None specific
- Fatigue, low libido if part of adrenal or pituitary insufficiency
What clinicians usually check next
- Compare against the age-specific range
- Morning cortisol if adrenal insufficiency is possible
- Review steroid medications
Follow-up tests at TestWell: Cortisol (AM) ($26.99).
Should I take DHEA if mine is low?
Evidence for supplementing on the basis of a low level alone is weak, and DHEA converts to testosterone and estrogen with side effects. Discuss with a clinician rather than self-treating.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a DHEA-S test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. DHEA-S is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| DHEA-Sulfate | This marker only | $32.99 |
| Men's Hormone Panel | 7 tests | $199.99 |
| Women's Hormone Panel | 11 tests | $239.99 |
| PCOS Panel | 9 tests | $240.99 |
| Female HRT Starting Panel | 20 tests | $249.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for DHEA-S: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $32.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $39.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $33.99 |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Hormones biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside DHEA-S.
Frequently asked
What does a high DHEA-S mean?
High DHEA-S in women is most often part of PCOS; markedly high levels (more than about twice the upper limit) raise concern for an adrenal tumor or non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia and need prompt evaluation. In men, high DHEA-S is usually from supplements. DHEA-S is stable across the day and cycle, which makes it a reliable adrenal androgen marker.
Does high DHEA-S mean PCOS?
It supports it when periods are irregular and androgen symptoms are present, but PCOS is a clinical diagnosis. Very high levels point elsewhere and need imaging.
What does a low DHEA-S mean?
DHEA-S declines steadily with age — a 70-year-old normally has a fraction of a 25-year-old's level — so a 'low' result must be judged against the age-specific range. A truly low level for age can reflect adrenal insufficiency, pituitary disease, glucocorticoid medication or chronic illness. Low DHEA-S alone, without symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, is rarely treated.
Should I take DHEA if mine is low?
Evidence for supplementing on the basis of a low level alone is weak, and DHEA converts to testosterone and estrogen with side effects. Discuss with a clinician rather than self-treating.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my dhea-s?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get DHEA-S results?
Most DHEA-S results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a DHEA-S test cost?
Our DHEA-Sulfate starts at $32.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my DHEA-S test?
Fasting is not required for the DHEA-S test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day.
Which lab will process my DHEA-S test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
What can throw off a DHEA-S result?
Oral contraceptives and estrogen can change a DHEA-S result without anything being wrong. Oral contraceptives and estrogen can lower DHEA-S — A low free T on the pill does not mean androgen deficiency; if testing for PCOS, results are muted. Each is explained on our physician-reviewed "Before your test" pages; when one applies, remove it and retest.
Ready to test your dhea-s?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $32.99.