---
title: "What does a low DHEA-S mean?"
type: biomarker-interpretation
url: "https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/dhea-s/low"
biomarker: DHEA-S
direction: low
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 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.


## 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 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

## What symptoms go with low DHEA-S?

- None specific
- Fatigue, low libido if part of adrenal or pituitary insufficiency

## What do 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).

## 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

### 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.

## Related

- [What does a high DHEA-S mean?](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/dhea-s/high)
- [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/low
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.