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Glossary term
DHEA
Also known as Dehydroepiandrosterone - DHEA sulfate
An adrenal hormone that precedes sex hormones - peaks in your 20s, drops 80% by age 70.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is produced by the adrenal cortex and serves as a raw material for both testosterone and estradiol. Most labs measure DHEA-S (the sulfated storage form) because it's more stable across the day. Reference ranges run 80-560 mcg/dL by age and sex. Low DHEA-S in the bottom quartile can flag adrenal insufficiency or chronic stress physiology; high DHEA-S in women warrants a PCOS or adrenal workup. Supplementation is common but underpowered - dose above 25 mg/day without labs and you'll hit acne, hair loss, or a lipid shift.
- Symbol
- DHEA-S
- Unit
- mcg/dL
- Typical range
- Roughly 80-560 mcg/dL by age and sex.
Medically reviewed byDr. Lena Okafor, MD
Medical Director - updated April 2026How we review
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