Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEAS) Test

The DHEAS test is a blood test often prescribed for women who have high levels of the male hormone- testosterone. The test is also done when a woman is found to have a lower sexual drive and if puberty starts in a boy earlier than usual. DHEAS stands for Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate.

The DHEAS test helps to measure the levels of DHEAS in the blood. DHEAS is a male sex hormone that is found in both males and females. In males, they help in the production of the male hormone testosterone, and in females, it helps produce the female sex hormone estrogen. DHEAS also helps in the development of secondary sexual characteristics in males at puberty. DHEAS is also important in indicating the presence of adrenal tumours or enlargement of the adrenal gland.

DHEAS is produced by the adrenal glands that are located above the kidney. It helps to control blood pressure and heart rate. Normally small amounts of DHEAS are detected in the testis of men and the ovaries of women. However, if the DHEAS levels fluctuate from normal, it indicates improper functioning of the adrenal glands.

Symptoms of abnormal DHEAS levels are various. High levels of DHEAS in females lead to the development of male-like characteristics such as deepening of voice, excess body and facial hair, and irregular muscularity. Low levels of DHEAS can be indicated by various signs such as dehydration, dizziness, and excessive weight loss.

One of the most common effects of high DHEAS levels is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS in India is quite common. It is reported that one in five women suffer from PCOS in India. Studies have shown that 3.7 to 22.5 per cent of women in India suffer from PCOS. If PCOS is not controlled and treated on time, it can lead to severe health conditions.

Other Names for DHEAS

• Androstenolone
• Prasterone
• DHEA-SO4

What Does the DHEAS Test Detect and Who Is It Prescribed For?

The DHEAS test detects the level of the DHEAS hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands in both men and women.

The DHEAS test is prescribed for women who have the following symptoms:

• No menstrual cycle
• Deepened voice
• Development of excessive facial and body hair
• Women having fertility problems
• Incidence of male pattern baldness
• Enlargement of Adam’s apple that is only seen in males
• Decrease in the breast size

High levels of DHEAS are not quite easily detectable in men, although high levels of DHEAS in boys can lead to the early onset of puberty.

Low levels of DHEAS can be detected when the following symptoms are present:

• Diabetes
• Lower sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Chronic fatigue syndrome

DHEAS test is often prescribed with other hormone tests to pinpoint the prevailing condition that affects the adrenal glands and, in turn, the level of DHEAS in the blood.

The DHEAS test takes place with the help of blood samples. Blood is generally collected from the arm vein. No special precautions and no fasting is required before blood collection.

Test Preparation for DHEAS Test

No special preparation is required to undergo the DHEAS test. However, the doctor needs to be informed if the patient is taking medications such as antidiabetics that contain DHEAS or any DHEAS supplements. Athletic performance supplements also contain DHEAS and information regarding their consumption should be provided to the doctor since these supplements and medications can alter the test results.

Additionally, for women, the doctor might do the test one week before and after periods to detect the effect of menstruation on the levels of DHEAS.

Test Inclusions: What Parameters Are Included in the DHEAS Test?

The DHEAS test involves the measurement of the level of DHEAS in both men and women who show specific symptoms. DHEAS levels are generally found to be low in both men and women. Abnormal levels of DHEAS suggest that the adrenal gland might not be functioning properly.

How Frequently Should You Take the DHEAS Test?

The DHEAS levels need not be measured routinely. A DHEAS test is prescribed with other hormone tests if high levels of male hormones are suspected or if the doctor wants to detect how well the adrenal gland is functioning.

The doctor may prescribe the DHEAS test if a woman starts to develop masculine characteristics. The DHEAS test is prescribed for males who show signs of early puberty well before the normal age of puberty. It may also be prescribed for women who do not undergo menstrual periods, may be infertile, or have ambiguous genitalia.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), Addison disease, Adrenal hyperplasia, Ovarian tumours

The results obtained from a DHEAS test may indicate normal, high, or low levels of DHEAS. A normal level of DHEAS indicates that the adrenal gland is working properly.

A high level of DHEAS indicates that it is responsible for the presence of the symptoms.

Although high levels of DHEAS does not indicate a specific condition, it may indicate:

• Presence of a tumour in the adrenal gland that may be cancerous or benign.
• Presence of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
• Presence of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
• Presence of an ovarian tumour.

Low levels of DHEA may indicate:

• Adrenal dysfunction
• Occurrence of Addison disease
• Occurrence of hypopituitarism, where the pituitary gland produces a low level of hormones that in turn affect the adrenal hormones