DHEA Sulfate Serum Blood Test

A DHEA-Sulfate serum test is conducted like a blood test. A healthcare professional will numb the insertion site, insert the needle, collect a small amount of blood in a vial, and pull it out. There are no special required preparations necessary for this test.

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What Is A DHEA-Sulfate Serum Test?

DHEA stands for dehydroepiandrosterone. It is a hormone in both male and female bodies, produced by our adrenal glands. DHEA is responsible for many developmental traits, such as making both the male and female sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen, respectively).

During puberty, DHEA develops mostly male sexual traits. However, throughout your life, DHEA plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure, heart rate, and more. A DHEA-sulfate serum blood test can help doctors determine if a patient is DHEA-deficient.

Why Would My Doctor Order This Test?

By measuring the amount of DHEA produced by a patient’s adrenal glands, a DHEA-Sulfate serum test can be used to diagnose several related conditions. Doctors may order this test in order to assess:

A patient’s adrenal function
The possibility of adrenal tumors
The cause of premature puberty in young men
The cause of masculine sexual characteristics in young women, including a deepening voice, excessive body hair, increased muscle mass, hair loss, an irregular menstrual cycle, and more
Diseases of the ovaries or testicles

What Can Affect The Test Results?

Though DHEA levels are typically high during puberty, they naturally decline from the age of 30 and on. When due to aging, low DHEA can result in sexual dysfunction and decreased sex drive in both men and women. Additionally, DHEA may be chronically low in patients with other health conditions, such as:

Adrenal deficiency
AIDS
Type 2 diabetes
Anorexia
Kidney disease

Medications can also sometimes cause DHEA deficiency. Insulin, corticosteroids, and opiates are known to do so. Tumors, on the other hand, can cause excessive DHEA, which leads to premature sexual maturity.

How Can I Prepare For The Test?

When you get your results, talk to your healthcare professional about what they mean. High levels of DHEA can indicate adrenal disorders, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia or tumors, as well as hormone disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Low DHEA levels can be symptoms of Addison’s disease, hypopituitarism, or other adrenal disorders. Since DHEA levels decline naturally with age, your doctor may recommend OTC supplements for DHEA sulfate. While sometimes claimed to be an anti-aging therapy, many supplements can have serious side effects on a person’s development by affecting their adrenal output and hormone levels. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

DHEA-Sulfate Serum Test

Schedule an Appointment online or by calling (347) 292-9570.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above visit your Doctor and find out if you need to have a DHEA Serum test completed. Contact SpeedySticks today if you’d like to schedule a test conducted in the privacy of your own home.

When Should I Get A DHEA Serum Test

All of these conditions may be caused by irregular levels of DHEA and being deficient in DHEA comes with its own symptoms that your doctor may use as a starting point for a diagnosis. These include symptoms of adrenal conditions, such as:

What Else Do I Need To Know?

*This content is for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace consulting with a healthcare professional. Please consult with your primary care physician or healthcare provider before engaging in any services offered by Speedy Sticks.