Lab marker · High

High DHEA-Sulfate (DHEA-S): what it means

A DHEA-Sulfate (DHEA-S) result above the normal range is considered high. Here is what a raised DHEA-Sulfate (DHEA-S) can point to, and when it is worth discussing with a doctor.

Reference range: Age- and sex-dependent; peaks in 20s, declines to ~30-50 μg/dL by 70s

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What a high DHEA-Sulfate (DHEA-S) can mean

  • Adrenal androgen-secreting tumour — usually >700 μg/dL; rapid hirsutism, virilisation, voice deepening.
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) — late-onset forms can present in adulthood with mild hirsutism.
  • PCOS — modest elevation in some patients; ovarian testosterone usually dominant.
  • Cushing's syndrome (some forms) — adrenal pathology can co-elevate DHEA-S.
  • Pregnancy — physiological surge.

When to discuss with a doctor

DHEA-S is ordered when a woman has new hirsutism, alopecia, acne, irregular menses, or signs of virilisation. A value above 700 μg/dL or rising rapidly warrants imaging for an adrenal mass. Modestly raised values are more often PCOS-spectrum than adrenal disease. Mediora.AI shows the value against age + sex band; androgen-excess workup is endocrinology + gynaecology.

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Mediora.AI is informational - interpretation, not a diagnosis. A single out-of-range value is common and often benign; always discuss decisions with your doctor.