---
title: "What does a high DHEA-S mean?"
type: biomarker-interpretation
url: "https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/dhea-s/high"
biomarker: DHEA-S
direction: high
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"
reviewed_at: 2026-09-06
review_status: reviewed
date_published: 2026-09-05
---

# 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.


## When does this result need same-day care?

- Rapidly progressive virilization (deepening voice, clitoral enlargement) with a high DHEA-S — prompt evaluation

## What is the normal range for DHEA-S?

- 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



## What are the 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

## What symptoms go with high DHEA-S?

- Women: acne, excess facial/body hair, irregular periods, scalp hair thinning
- Men: usually none

## What do 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).

## How do you recheck DHEA-S?

| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Men's Hormone Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/mens-hormone-panel) | Panel (7 tests) | $199.99 | No | 3–5 business days |
| [Women's Hormone Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/womens-hormone-panel) | Panel (11 tests) | $239.99 | No | 3–5 business days |
| [Healthy Aging Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/healthy-aging-panel) | Panel (15 tests) | $299.99 | Yes | 3–5 business days |
| [DHEA-Sulfate](https://www.test-well.com/tests/dhea-sulfate) | Test | $32.99 | No | 1–3 business days |

Plus one $6 lab processing fee per order; physician authorization included.

## Common questions

### 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.

## Related

- [What does a low DHEA-S mean?](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/dhea-s/low)
- [DHEA-S reference ranges](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/dhea-s)
- [Total Testosterone reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/total-testosterone)
- [Free Testosterone reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/free-testosterone)
- [SHBG reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/shbg)

## Sources

- [Mayo Clinic Labs](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/8493)

---

Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-06. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/editorial-policy

Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/dhea-s/high
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.