DHEA-S Levels Explained: Normal Range & What High Means
Also known as: DHEA sulfate, DHEA-S blood test, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate
DHEA-S (DHEA-sulfate) is a hormone produced almost entirely by the adrenal glands that your body can convert into testosterone and estrogen. It's often ordered to investigate excess hair growth, acne, or irregular periods. Normal DHEA-S ranges vary widely by age and sex (roughly 65–380 µg/dL in adult women and 110–510 µg/dL in adult men, higher in younger adults and declining with age), so results are always compared to the range for your age and sex. A high DHEA-S in women can be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or, less commonly, an adrenal tumor, and any elevated result is interpreted by a clinician alongside your symptoms and other hormone tests.
DHEA-S normal range
| Category | Range (µg/dL) |
|---|---|
| Adult women | ~65–380 µg/dLReference ranges vary by lab and age |
| Adult men | ~110–510 µg/dL |
| Declines with age | Lower after age ~30–40Levels peak in early adulthood |
| High | Above the age/sex-specific range |
Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Use the range printed on your own report as the definitive comparison.
What high DHEA-S can mean
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common cause of high DHEA-S in women
- An adrenal gland disorder, including adrenal tumors (uncommon)
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (a genetic condition affecting adrenal hormone production)
- Certain medications or supplements containing DHEA
What low DHEA-S can mean
- A normal part of aging, since DHEA-S naturally declines over time
- Adrenal insufficiency (the adrenal glands underproducing hormones)
- Chronic illness or certain pituitary conditions
What to do about an abnormal result
- Compare your value to the age- and sex-specific range on your own report — DHEA-S varies more by age than most hormones.
- A high DHEA-S in women, especially with irregular periods, acne, or excess hair growth, is often worked up for PCOS alongside testosterone and other hormones.
- Markedly elevated levels may prompt imaging to rule out an adrenal tumor — this is uncommon but your doctor will decide if it's needed.
- Don't self-diagnose from one number — DHEA-S is interpreted alongside your symptoms, cycle history, and other androgen levels by a clinician.
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Frequently asked questions
What does high DHEA-sulfate mean in females?
In women, a high DHEA-S most often relates to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can also cause irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth. Less commonly, a markedly elevated level can point to an adrenal gland problem, including a rare adrenal tumor, so your doctor may recommend further hormone testing or imaging if the result is significantly elevated. A single high DHEA-S doesn't diagnose PCOS on its own — it's interpreted alongside your symptoms and other hormone levels.
What causes DHEA-sulfate to be high?
The most common cause of high DHEA-S, especially in women, is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Other causes include congenital adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal tumors (uncommon), and taking DHEA-containing supplements. Your doctor typically reviews your symptoms and other hormone levels to determine the cause.
What is a normal DHEA-S level?
Normal DHEA-S varies substantially by age and sex — roughly 65–380 µg/dL in adult women and 110–510 µg/dL in adult men, with levels naturally declining after early adulthood. Because the range shifts so much with age, your result is best compared to the reference range printed on your own report.
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Medically reviewed by Antonieta Rueda, MD and Kyle R. Toth, MD · Last reviewed July 6, 2026
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or your lab results.