Skip to main content
Your session has expired. Reloading...
Hormones

DHEA-S Test

DHEA-S is the most abundant adrenal hormone and a reliable marker of overall adrenal function. Its age-related decline makes it a valuable indicator for preventive health monitoring.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Reference Ranges

See the value that applies to you:

Choose male or female — this range differs by sex.

Enter your age — this range changes with age.

This range also depends on context such as cycle phase or sample material; the highlighted rows apply to your group.

Your reference range
umol/l
0,4 14,2 umol/l
Reference ranges by group, in umol/l
Male · 21–30 years 1–14,2 umol/l
1 14,2
Male · 31–40 years 0,9–11,3 umol/l
0,9 11,3
Male · 41–50 years 0,4–10,6 umol/l
0,4 10,6
Male · 51–60 years < 8,1 umol/l
8,1
Male · 61–70 years < 6,8 umol/l
6,8
Male · 71–80 years < 5,6 umol/l
5,6
Male · 81–90 years < 2,9 umol/l
2,9
Female · 21–30 years 0,6–10,1 umol/l
0,6 10,1
Female · 31–40 years 0,5–7,8 umol/l
0,5 7,8
Female · 41–50 years < 6,2 umol/l
6,2
Female · 51–60 years < 5,8 umol/l
5,8
Female · 61–70 years < 3,5 umol/l
3,5
Female · 71–80 years < 3 umol/l
3
Female · 81–90 years < 2,7 umol/l
2,7
0,4 14,2 umol/l

Reference values per age decade and sex, as published in the lab guide of Maastricht UMC+. For the bands published as "< value" (women from 41 years, men from 51 years) the source gives no lower limit: a low result therefore gets no verdict, because the source says nothing about it. DHEA-S falls sharply with age and does not depend on the menstrual cycle. There are no bands below 21 or above 90 years. Note: laboratories and measurement methods differ considerably in the reference values they use for DHEA-S, in both the lower and the upper limits. So always go by the reference value on your own result.

Source: Maastricht UMC+, Centraal Diagnostisch Laboratorium Reference population: MUMC+ lab guide (Maastricht UMC+, DHEA-S reference values)

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Check your own value

DHEA-S: what this test measures

This test measures the blood concentration of DHEA-S, the sulfated storage form of DHEA. Because DHEA-S levels remain stable throughout the day, it is a reliable indicator of adrenal androgen production.

DHEA-S: why this value matters

Tracking DHEA-S over time provides insight into adrenal ageing and overall hormonal reserve. Early changes may guide preventive lifestyle adjustments. Consult your healthcare provider.

DHEA-S: how the blood test works

Referral
No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw
A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Which test
on its own €42,- InsideTracker Fitness · €199,- · InsideTracker Hormone Balance · €279,- · InsideTracker · €399,- · Whoop · €499,-
Where
650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

DHEA-S: when is testing worthwhile?

Testing may be recommended when evaluating adrenal function, investigating symptoms of androgen excess or deficiency, or assessing age-related hormonal decline.

DHEA-S: symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Some people may experience chronic fatigue, decreased libido, reduced muscle mass, or low mood when DHEA-S levels are below the expected range. These symptoms could suggest adrenal depletion.

High Levels

Some people may experience acne, oily skin, excessive hair growth, or hair thinning when DHEA-S levels are elevated. In women, this could suggest an androgen-related hormonal imbalance.

DHEA-S: what to do about an abnormal value

Male

If Low

Low DHEA-S may indicate adrenal insufficiency or aging. Consider adrenal function testing and lifestyle optimization.

If High

Elevated DHEA-S may indicate adrenal tumors or PCOS. Consult with an endocrinologist for evaluation.

Female

If Low

Low DHEA-S may indicate adrenal insufficiency. Consider comprehensive adrenal evaluation if symptomatic.

If High

High DHEA-S may indicate PCOS or adrenal disorders. Consider PCOS evaluation, especially with irregular periods or hirsutism.

DHEA-S: lifestyle and this value

Adequate sleep, regular moderate exercise, and effective stress management may support healthy DHEA-S production. Avoiding chronic overtraining and ensuring sufficient recovery time could also be beneficial. Discuss supplementation only with your healthcare provider.

DHEA-S: frequently asked questions

Does DHEA-S decline with age?

Yes, DHEA-S peaks in early adulthood and declines steadily. Your healthcare provider can assess whether your level is appropriate for your age.

Is DHEA-S the same as DHEA?

DHEA-S is the sulfated storage form of DHEA, with more stable blood levels. It is preferred for testing because it does not fluctuate throughout the day.

Can I supplement DHEA-S?

DHEA supplements are available but should only be used under medical supervision, as they can affect other hormone levels. Consult your healthcare provider first.

DHEA-S: sources

  1. Maastricht UMC+, Centraal Diagnostisch Laboratorium. Referentiewaarden DHEA-S (labgids / bepalingenwijzer). Geraadpleegd 14-07-2026. Zeven leeftijdsdecennia per geslacht, in umol/l. De bron vermeldt geen percentielbasis, geen aantal en geen methode. (retrieved 2026) diagnostiekenadvies.mumc.nl

Test Products

This marker is included in the following test panels.

InsideTracker

InsideTracker

An InsideTracker blood test with 35 biomarkers: heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, recovery and iron status. Measured in the Netherlands.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone Total Testosterone Folate (Folic Acid) Vitamin B12 Calcium Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Potassium Progesterone Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol Albumin AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Vitamin D (25-OH) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Creatine Kinase (CK) Transferrin Saturation Triglycerides Basic Blood Count HOMA-IR Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio
€399,-
Whoop

Whoop

A 45-biomarker comprehensive health panel inspired by WHOOP Advanced Labs — a deep look at metabolism, cardiovascular risk, hormones, liver, kidney and inflammation.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Total Testosterone Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Potassium Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol Albumin HOMA-IR ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Total Protein Urea (BUN) Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Transferrin Saturation Lipoprotein(a) Triglycerides Basic Blood Count Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect) Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio
€499,-

Medical reviewer

Medical standards

Dr. Naimi oversees the medical standards behind our content and assessments.

Medical policy
CIBG Ministerie van Volksgezondheid,
Welzijn en Sport Official BIG registration BIG 49928676701 Opens in a new tab

DHEA-S

€42,-