DHEA-S test in Chiswick

What the test measures

DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate) is an androgen, one of the hormones often described as male hormones, although everyone makes them. It comes mainly from the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys. Levels are highest in early adulthood and fall gradually with age, so results are always compared with ranges for your age and sex.

Doctors usually check DHEA-S as part of a wider hormone picture rather than on its own. It helps when investigating signs of androgen excess, such as excess hair growth, and when a testosterone result is raised, because it gives a clue as to whether extra androgens may be coming from the adrenal glands rather than the ovaries. NHS laboratory guidance notes that it is of limited value on its own for acne or infertility.

The price includes your sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have thick, dark hair growth on your face or body (hirsutism) and want to understand your hormones.
• You have irregular periods and your practitioner is looking at possible polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS, now also called PMOS).
• A previous testosterone result was raised and you want to look at the adrenal side of the picture.
• You are having an adrenal or stress hormone assessment alongside cortisol.

Understanding your result

DHEA-S is reported in µmol/L, and reference ranges depend on age and sex. Ranges vary between laboratories, so always read the range printed on your report. As an example, the pathology service at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust uses 2.68 to 9.23 µmol/L for women aged 25 to 35, and 0.96 to 6.95 µmol/L for women aged 45 to 55.

In PCOS, DHEA-S is usually normal or only slightly raised, because most of the extra androgen in PCOS comes from the ovaries. A normal result therefore does not rule PCOS in or out. A clearly raised level, particularly alongside a high testosterone, is a reason for your GP to arrange further tests or a specialist opinion. Your practitioner will explain your result in the context of your symptoms and other hormone levels.

Book an urgent GP appointment, rather than waiting for a private test, if new thick, dark hair suddenly starts growing on your face and body, your voice is becoming deeper, or your muscles are getting bigger.

Preparing for your test

You do not usually need to fast. If you have periods, some NHS laboratories ask for the sample in the first half of the cycle (the follicular phase), between the start of your period and ovulation, so booking in the week after your period starts is a sensible choice. Tell us about hormonal contraception, steroid medicines or hormone supplements, and about high-dose biotin, as biotin can affect some laboratory tests.

Our cortisol and Stress Hormone Check pairs cortisol with DHEA-S for a broader view of adrenal health. Read DHEA-S levels explained for more on results, or compare every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a DHEA-S test in Chiswick?

The DHEA-S Test costs £49 at our Chiswick clinic. This includes your blood sample, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner and a GP feedback report on request. No GP referral is needed.

Is a DHEA blood test the same as DHEA-S?

DHEA-S is the sulphate form of DHEA. It is the form most laboratories measure when a DHEA blood test is requested, and it is what this test reports.

Can DHEA-S diagnose PCOS?

No. PCOS is diagnosed from symptoms, hormone tests and sometimes an ultrasound scan. DHEA-S is usually normal in PCOS and mainly helps to look for other causes of raised androgens.

Should I test testosterone at the same time?

Often, yes. Testosterone and SHBG are the main hormones checked for excess hair growth, and our Hormone Health Check includes both. Your practitioner can advise on the best combination.