What is DHEA-S And Why Does the Hormone Zoomer Test for It?

Adrenal androgen precursor

DHEA-S is the sulfated form of DHEA produced mainly by the adrenal glands. It acts as a circulating reservoir that can be converted into active sex steroids; measuring it helps clarify adrenal androgen output and steroid metabolism patterns.

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DHEA-S

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About DHEA-S

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About DHEA-S

Overview and History

DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is a sulfated steroid in the adrenal steroid pathway. Biochemically it is formed when DHEA is sulfated by SULT enzymes, which increases water solubility and extends circulating half‑life, making DHEA-S a relatively stable marker of adrenal steroid activity. Clinically, DHEA-S has been used as an indicator of adrenal androgen production because it circulates at higher concentrations and changes more slowly than unconjugated DHEA. Peripheral tissues can convert DHEA-derived compounds into androgens and estrogens, so DHEA-S levels reflect a reservoir available for downstream steroid production and metabolic clearance dynamics.

Interpreting Highs and Lows

Elevated DHEA-S can reflect increased adrenal androgen production or altered steroid metabolism and may be seen alongside patterns of higher androgenic activity on the full panel. In isolation it is non‑specific; interpretation depends on companion markers such as DHEA, cortisol timing, and sex hormone metabolites. Low DHEA-S can indicate lower adrenal androgen reserve, age‑related decline, or suppression of adrenal steroid output and may correlate with patterns of reduced peripheral androgen availability. Both high and low readings are best interpreted together with clinical history and the Hormone Zoomer’s broader steroid and cortisol profile.

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DHEA-S is included in the Hormone Zoomer to quantify adrenal androgen reserve and clarify how adrenal output contributes to overall steroid balance. Its stability helps distinguish adrenal-driven patterns from rapid fluctuations, and it integrates with cortisol, DHEA, and sex hormone metabolites to support personalized interpretation and pathway-level insights.

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DHEA-S FAQs

What is DHEA-S and why is it important?

DHEA-S is a long‑lived, sulfated steroid made mainly by the adrenal glands that serves as a circulating pool for downstream sex hormones. Because it is more stable than DHEA, its level helps indicate how much adrenal androgenic material is available for conversion to active hormones. That information can relate to patterns in energy, mood, libido, and reproductive signaling when reviewed with other test results.

What does it mean if my DHEA-S levels are low?

Low DHEA-S often reflects lower adrenal androgen output or age-related decline in steroid production. It can also be seen with patterns suggesting HPA axis suppression or reduced steroidogenesis. Interpretation depends on other Hormone Zoomer markers (cortisol timing, DHEA, sex hormones) and the clinical context rather than the single value alone.

What does it mean if my DHEA-S levels are high?

High DHEA-S suggests increased adrenal androgen production or shifts in steroid metabolism that raise the circulating sulfated pool. Elevated values can be associated with increased androgenic activity and related symptoms, but must be interpreted alongside DHEA, cortisol patterns, and sex hormone metabolites to define the underlying pattern.

Why is DHEA-S included in the Hormone Zoomer?

DHEA-S adds a stable measure of adrenal androgen reserve that complements cortisol timing and upstream/downstream steroid metabolites. Including it helps providers distinguish adrenal‑driven versus peripheral patterns of androgen exposure and supports more precise, pathway‑level interpretation of hormonal balance.

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