--- title: DHEA-S Test type: biomarker url: "https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/dhea-s" also_known_as: - dhea-s - dhea sulfate - dheas - dhea-sulfate category: Hormones units: - mcg/dL - ug/dL order_price_usd: 32.99 order_item: DHEA-Sulfate order_url: "https://www.test-well.com/tests/dhea-sulfate" reviewed_at: 2026-09-06 --- # DHEA-S > 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. Also known as: dhea-s, dhea sulfate, dheas, dhea-sulfate. ## Key facts | Fact | Value | | --- | --- | | 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 | ## What does DHEA-S measure? An adrenal hormone that serves as a precursor for sex hormones. Naturally declines with age. ## What is the normal range for DHEA-S? | Population | Reference 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 intervals differ slightly between labs; the range printed on your report is the one to interpret against. Ranges are usually set so 95% of healthy people fall inside them. ## 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 high DHEA-S 1. PCOS (mild to moderate elevation) 2. DHEA supplements 3. Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia 4. Adrenal tumors (rare; usually very high levels) 5. Cushing's disease ### Symptoms that go with high DHEA-S - 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)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/cortisol-am) ($26.99), [Colon Cancer Screening Test (FIT)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/fit-fecal-immunochemical-test) ($59.99), [Cortisol](https://www.test-well.com/tests/cortisol-labcorp) ($32.99). ### 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. ## 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 low DHEA-S 1. Normal aging 2. Glucocorticoid medication (prednisone, inhaled steroids) 3. Adrenal insufficiency, pituitary disease 4. Chronic illness, anorexia nervosa 5. Oral estrogens ### Symptoms that go with low DHEA-S - 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)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/cortisol-am) ($26.99), [Cortisol](https://www.test-well.com/tests/cortisol-labcorp) ($32.99). **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. ## How do you get tested for DHEA-S? | Order | Type | Price | Includes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [DHEA-Sulfate](https://www.test-well.com/tests/dhea-sulfate) | Single test | $32.99 | This marker | | [Men's Hormone Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/mens-hormone-panel) | Panel | $199.99 | 7 tests | | [Women's Hormone Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/womens-hormone-panel) | Panel | $239.99 | 11 tests | | [PCOS Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/pcos-panel) | Panel | $240.99 | 9 tests | | [Female HRT Starting Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/female-hrt-starting-panel) | Panel | $249.99 | 20 tests | ## Quest vs Labcorp vs BioReference | Lab | Available | Price | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $32.99 | Choose Quest at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. | | Labcorp | Yes | $39.99 | Choose Labcorp at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. | | BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $33.99 | New York and New Jersey orders route here automatically — state rules keep Quest and Labcorp from accepting self-ordered draws. | ## Common questions about DHEA-S ### 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. ## Sources - [Mayo Clinic Labs](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/8493) - [MedlinePlus (NIH) — DHEA Sulfate Test](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/dhea-sulfate-test/) ## Related biomarkers - [Total Testosterone](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/total-testosterone) - [Free Testosterone](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/free-testosterone) - [SHBG](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/shbg) - [Estradiol](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/estradiol) - [Cortisol AM](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/cortisol-am) - [FSH](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/fsh) - [Reference range lookup tool](https://www.test-well.com/tools/reference-range-lookup) - [Lab unit converter](https://www.test-well.com/tools/lab-unit-converter) - [All biomarkers](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers) --- Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-06. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/reviewers/youmna-distefano-md Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/dhea-s Machine-readable catalog: https://www.test-well.com/api/catalog.json · MCP server: https://www.test-well.com/mcp · Overview for agents: https://www.test-well.com/llms.txt Prices are cash-pay, in USD, and include physician authorization; every order adds one flat $6 lab processing fee. Educational content is not a diagnosis — discuss results with a clinician.