DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
A weak male-type hormone (androgen) made mainly by the adrenal glands, sitting on the pathway that leads to testosterone and oestrogen. It is measured, usually alongside its longer-lasting form DHEA-S, when working out the source of excess androgens or assessing adrenal function.
What it measures
DHEA is a steroid hormone produced mostly by the outer part of the adrenal glands, with a smaller amount from the ovaries or testes. It is a weak androgen (male-type hormone) in itself, but its main importance is as a building block: the body converts it into more potent androgens like testosterone, and onward into oestrogens. In the blood DHEA circulates in two forms — a small amount of free DHEA, which this test measures, and a much larger, longer-lasting sulphated form called DHEA-S. Because DHEA-S is more stable, it is usually the one tested to gauge adrenal androgen output; unconjugated DHEA is measured in more specific situations, often as part of a panel that maps the steroid pathway. Doctors use these hormones when investigating signs of excess androgens — such as acne, unwanted hair growth or irregular periods in women — to help tell an adrenal source from an ovarian one, and when assessing certain adrenal conditions. Levels are naturally high in young adulthood and decline steadily with age.
What a high value can mean
- An adrenal source of excess androgens — a high DHEA (with DHEA-S) points to the adrenal glands rather than the ovaries.
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia — an inherited enzyme problem that shifts steroid production.
- An adrenal tumour — a less common cause of markedly raised androgens.
- PCOS — can show a mildly raised adrenal androgen contribution in some women.
What a low value can mean
- Adrenal insufficiency — an underactive adrenal gland lowers its androgen output.
- Hypopituitarism — reduced ACTH drive to the adrenal glands.
- Normal age-related decline — DHEA falls naturally with age, so a lower level in an older adult is expected.
When to discuss with a doctor
DHEA is a specialist hormone test, not a routine one, and is almost always interpreted alongside DHEA-S and other androgens rather than on its own. It is most useful when a woman has signs of excess male-type hormones (acne, unwanted hair growth, irregular periods) and the question is whether the source is the adrenal glands or the ovaries, or when an adrenal condition such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia is being worked up. Because levels change with age, sex and time of day, the interpretation depends heavily on the clinical picture. Mediora.AI shows DHEA alongside DHEA-S, androstenedione, testosterone and cortisol so the steroid-pathway pattern is read together; the interpretation belongs with your doctor.