DHEA-Sulfate (Male) Biomarker Test

DHEA-Sulfate (Male) Biomarker Test Guide

The DHEA-Sulfate (DHEA-S) test measures levels of Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. DHEA-S plays an important role in the production of male sex hormones (androgens) and can provide insights into adrenal function and overall hormone balance in men.

What Is the DHEA-Sulfate (Male) Biomarker Test?

The DHEA-Sulfate (DHEA-S) test measures the amount of DHEA-S, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and a precursor to androgens like testosterone. This test is used to evaluate adrenal gland function, diagnose hormonal disorders, and detect abnormalities related to androgens in men.

DHEA-S is a stable form of DHEA, meaning that its levels don’t fluctuate throughout the day like DHEA, making it a more reliable marker of adrenal function.

Why Get a DHEA-Sulfate Test?

A DHEA-S test is recommended for men who need:

• Evaluation of adrenal function: To check if the adrenal glands are producing appropriate levels of hormones.
• Diagnosis of adrenal disorders: Such as adrenal hyperplasia or adrenal tumors.
• Assessment of androgen levels: To determine if there is an excess or deficiency in male sex hormones.
• Investigation of delayed puberty: To assess if abnormal androgen levels are affecting sexual development.
• Understanding the cause of infertility: Low DHEA-S levels may indicate hormonal imbalances affecting sperm production.

Any Related Health Symptoms and Reasons to Take This Test

The DHEA-S test may be ordered if you experience:

• Early or delayed puberty: Particularly if sexual development is slower or faster than expected.
• Unexplained infertility: Hormonal imbalance can affect fertility and reproductive health.
• Decreased sex drive: Low DHEA-S can affect libido.
• Symptoms of adrenal disorders: Such as unexplained weight changes, fatigue, or muscle weakness.
• Signs of hormonal imbalance: Such as loss of body hair, muscle mass, or persistent mood changes.

What Are the Normal Ranges for DHEA-Sulfate in Men?

Normal ranges for DHEA-S levels vary with age:

• Young adult males (20-29 years): 280 to 640 µg/dL
• Middle-aged males (30-49 years): 120 to 520 µg/dL
• Older males (50+ years): 70 to 310 µg/dL

Ranges may vary slightly depending on the laboratory performing the test, but the values generally decline with age.

What Type of Health Professionals Can Use the Results?

Several types of healthcare professionals may interpret DHEA-S test results, including:

• Endocrinologists: For diagnosing adrenal gland disorders or androgen imbalances.
• Urologists: For evaluating male reproductive health, especially related to fertility or delayed puberty.
• Primary care physicians: For general health assessments and early detection of adrenal or hormonal issues.
• Andrologists: For focusing on male hormone levels and reproductive health concerns.
• Reproductive endocrinologists: For evaluating DHEA-S in relation to fertility and hormonal function.

How to Prepare for the Test

There are no major preparations required for the DHEA-S test. However, consider the following:

• Inform your doctor of medications: Some medications, like steroids, can affect DHEA-S levels. Your doctor may ask you to stop these prior to the test.
• No fasting required: You can eat and drink normally before the test unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider.

How Often Should the Test Be Taken?

The frequency of DHEA-S testing depends on the medical context:

• Once or twice if being evaluated for adrenal gland function or suspected hormonal disorders.
• Regularly monitored if being treated for conditions like adrenal hyperplasia or adrenal insufficiency, to track hormone levels and treatment effectiveness.
• During fertility evaluations, the test may be taken periodically as part of a broader hormone panel.

What’s the Next Step After Testing?

After receiving the test results, your healthcare provider will:

• Interpret the levels: High DHEA-S may indicate conditions such as adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal tumors, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS, though more common in women). Low levels could point to adrenal insufficiency or hypopituitarism.
• Discuss treatment options: If an abnormal result is found, your healthcare provider will suggest further testing or treatments depending on the condition identified (e.g., hormone therapy, adrenal imaging).
• Follow-up tests: Additional hormone tests, such as testosterone or cortisol levels, may be ordered for a comprehensive understanding of adrenal and androgen function.

Top 6 Questions Related to DHEA-Sulfate (Male) Tests and Results

1. What does a high DHEA-S level indicate?
   • High DHEA-S levels may indicate adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal tumors, or other conditions causing excessive androgen production.
2. Can low DHEA-S levels affect my fertility?
   • Yes, low DHEA-S levels can affect testosterone production, leading to infertility or sexual dysfunction.
3. How does age affect DHEA-S levels?
   • DHEA-S levels naturally decline with age, especially after 30, reflecting the gradual decrease in adrenal hormone production.
4. What symptoms might I experience if my DHEA-S levels are abnormal?
   • Abnormal levels can cause fatigue, muscle weakness, sexual dysfunction, decreased libido, or infertility.
5. Are there medications that can alter DHEA-S test results?
   • Yes, medications like steroids, insulin, and some hormone therapies can influence DHEA-S levels, so you should inform your doctor of any medications.
6. How are DHEA-S levels related to testosterone?
   • DHEA-S is a precursor to testosterone, so abnormal levels can indicate issues with androgen (male hormone) production.

The Hosst.com Platform uses a Digital Twin to help users manage their health by tracking, organising, and optimising healthcare activities. It provides personalised insights and assists with scheduling checkups, tests, and doctor visits.

Key features include:

• Symptom management: Recommends tests and treatments based on user input.
• Health data tracking: Monitors glucose, blood pressure, and more from health devices or manual inputs. Connects with your favorite apps and health monitors.
• Alerts: Warns of abnormal health signs and suggests corrective actions.
• Lifestyle recommendations: Offers diet, medication, and lifestyle tips based on health trends.
• Test result interpretation: Simplifies complex results and explains what they mean for the user.
• Preventive care: Sends reminders for checkups and suggests actions to prevent illness.
• Health scenario simulations: Predicts potential health outcomes based on current data.
• Product and service finder: Helps users find the right healthcare product or service.
• Doctor visit preparation: Gathers vitals, history, insurance, and questions for productive visits, with easy sharing to doctors.
• User-friendly: Ask in your own words, available on tablets, desktops, and mobile devices.

The platform simplifies health management and improves well-being. Free and easy to use and no installation required, get started today.

Disclaimer: The information provided in these articles is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health or starting any treatments.

Photo credits Freepik.com