Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
About Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | DHEAS Test, Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate Test, DHEA-S Test |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 5 days |
| Recommended For | Men and women of all ages, especially females with signs of excess male hormones and children showing early puberty signs |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,200 |
What Is a Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Test?
The Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) test measures the level of DHEA or its sulphate form (DHEA-S) in the blood. DHEA is a hormone made by the adrenal glands, which sit just above the kidneys. It helps the body produce other hormones, including testosterone and oestrogen.
Doctors order this test when they suspect a hormonal imbalance or an adrenal gland problem. A small blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm is all that is needed. The DHEA test is also known as the Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate test.
What Does a Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Test Measure?
The DHEA test procedure checks the level of two closely related substances in the blood. Here is what each one represents.
| Component | What It Is |
|---|---|
| DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) | A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that acts as a building block for testosterone and oestrogen |
| DHEA-S (DHEA Sulphate) | A more stable, long-lasting form of DHEA in the bloodstream, preferred in clinical testing as it does not fluctuate through the day |
DHEA-S is often the preferred marker because it has a longer half-life and does not show the daily fluctuation that DHEA does. Both forms play a role in sexual development and hormonal balance in men and women.
Why Is a Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Test Done?
A doctor may recommend the Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) test for several reasons. It is primarily used to assess how well the adrenal glands are working and to investigate hormonal concerns.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to order this test:
- Irregular or missed menstrual periods in women
- Excess facial or body hair growth (hirsutism) in women
- Hair thinning or loss in women
- Difficulty conceiving (infertility)
- Persistent or severe acne
- Low sex drive in men or women
- Unexplained fatigue or weight loss
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can support the diagnosis of several conditions, including:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder common in women
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a group of inherited disorders affecting adrenal hormone production
- Cancerous or non-cancerous adrenal tumours, including adrenocortical carcinoma
- Addison's disease, where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones
- Pituitary adenomas and hypopituitarism (an underactive pituitary gland)
- Ovarian cancer
- Premature adrenarche (early puberty) in children
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The DHEA test procedure is straightforward and requires minimal preparation. Here is everything you need to know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before this test. You can eat and drink as usual on the day of your blood draw. If you are getting additional tests at the same time, check with your doctor whether those tests require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before you go for sample collection:
- Inform your doctor about all supplements you are taking, especially biotin (vitamin B7). Stop taking biotin at least 72 hours before the test, as it can interfere with results.
- Tell your doctor about any DHEA or DHEA-S supplements you are using, as these directly affect test levels.
- Avoid smoking or using nicotine products before the test, since nicotine can raise DHEA-S levels.
- Wear a half-sleeved top or clothing that allows easy access to the arm.
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what happens during a typical blood sample collection for this test:
- A trained phlebotomist (blood collection specialist) will ask you to sit comfortably and roll up your sleeve.
- An elastic band (tourniquet) is tied around your upper arm to make the veins more visible.
- The skin over the vein is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- A small needle is gently inserted into the vein, and a few millilitres of blood are drawn into a collection tube.
- The tourniquet is removed, and gentle pressure is applied to the puncture site. A small bandage is placed over the area.
- The labelled sample is stored at refrigeration temperature and sent to the laboratory for testing.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence your results. Be aware of the following:
- Biotin (vitamin B7) supplements, especially in high doses, can falsely increase DHEA-S levels
- Taking DHEA supplements will directly raise test readings
- Medications for diabetes and high blood pressure can affect levels
- Fish oil and vitamin E supplements may lower DHEA-S levels
- Smoking and nicotine use can increase readings
- Stress and obesity may also alter adrenal hormone output
Understanding Your Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Results
Your results show how your DHEA-S level compares to the expected range for your age and sex. Normal ranges vary with age because DHEA levels naturally peak in early adulthood and decline steadily thereafter.
| Age Group | Normal Range (Female) (µg/dL) | Normal Range (Male) (µg/dL) |
|---|---|---|
| 18 to 19 years | 145 to 395 | 108 to 441 |
| 20 to 29 years | 65 to 380 | 280 to 640 |
| 30 to 39 years | 45 to 270 | 120 to 520 |
| 40 to 49 years | 32 to 240 | 95 to 530 |
| 50 to 59 years | 26 to 200 | 70 to 310 |
| 60 to 69 years | 13 to 130 | 42-290 |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can affect how results are read.
- Age plays a significant role. DHEA-S levels naturally peak around the third decade of life and fall with each subsequent decade.
- By the age of 80, levels may be as low as 20% of what they were at age 25. Results must always be compared to age-appropriate reference ranges.
- High-dose biotin taken within 12 hours of the test can lead to falsely elevated DHEA-S readings. Always inform your doctor if you have recently taken a high-dose biotin supplement.
- DHEA levels can also vary across the day and through the menstrual cycle, which is one reason DHEA-S is preferred for clinical testing.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general wellness habits support adrenal health:
- Eat a balanced diet with adequate nutrients and maintain a healthy body weight.
- Exercise regularly, but avoid excessive physical stress on the body.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques, adequate sleep, and mindful daily habits, as chronic stress can strain the adrenal glands.
Lupin Diagnostics Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Price and Home Collection
The DHEA test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,200. Home sample collection is available, so you can book the test from the comfort of your home.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1200 |
| CHENNAI | 1200 |
| HYDERABAD | 1200 |
| KOLKATA | 1200 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1200 |
| PUNE | 1200 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book your DHEA test online:
- Select the Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
DHEA test home collection is available across cities through Lupin Diagnostics. A certified phlebotomist visits your home at your chosen time and collects the blood sample. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and your digital report is shared via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) test is used to check how well the adrenal glands are functioning. It helps identify hormonal imbalances and supports the diagnosis of conditions such as PCOS, adrenal tumours, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Doctors also use it to investigate early puberty in children.
No, fasting is not required for this test. You can eat and drink as you normally would before the blood draw. If other tests are being done at the same appointment, your doctor will let you know if any of those require fasting.
Your doctor may recommend this test if you are a woman experiencing irregular periods, excess hair growth, persistent acne, or difficulty conceiving. It is also ordered when a child shows signs of maturing earlier than expected or when an adult has unexplained fatigue or low sex drive.
Yes, certain supplements and medications can alter your results. Biotin, DHEA supplements, nicotine, and some medications for diabetes and blood pressure can raise DHEA-S levels. Fish oil and vitamin E can lower them. Always inform your doctor about everything you are taking before the test.
DHEA levels change throughout the day and can vary across the menstrual cycle, making them less consistent for testing purposes. DHEA-S has a longer half-life and remains more stable in the bloodstream, so it is often preferred as a clinical marker for adrenal function.
DHEA production by the adrenal glands peaks in early adulthood, around the mid-twenties, and then gradually falls. This is a normal part of ageing. Reference ranges are therefore adjusted by age group to account for this natural decline.
Yes, DHEA test home collection is available through Lupin Diagnostics. A trained phlebotomist will visit your home at a convenient time. Your sample is then transported to a NABL-accredited laboratory, and your report is shared digitally once the results are ready.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
