Examinations
Examinations
DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate)
DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is an androgenic hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It is synthesized in the adrenal cortex, and its levels reflect the androgen-synthetic activity of the adrenal glands.
DHEA itself has weak androgenic activity, but its metabolism in peripheral tissues leads to the formation of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHEA-S levels increase during puberty and gradually decline with age as individuals exit the reproductive period.
During pregnancy, DHEA-S levels decrease.
- The analysis is performed on a blood sample drawn from a vein.
- The test should be taken after 8–14 hours of fasting.
- Before the test, avoid:
- Physical and emotional stress
- Alcohol consumption
- Androgenital syndrome
- Adrenal tumors
- Ectopic ACTH-producing tumors
- Recurrent miscarriages
- Fetal growth restriction (intrauterine growth retardation, IUGR)
- Assessment of the feto-placental complex (from 12–15 weeks of pregnancy)
Causes of Increased DHEA-S Levels
- Androgenital syndrome
- Adrenal tumors
- Ectopic ACTH-producing tumors
- Cushing’s disease
- Feto-placental insufficiency
- Hirsutism in women
- Increased risk of intrauterine fetal death
Causes of Decreased DHEA-S Levels
- Fetal adrenal hypoplasia
- Intrauterine infection
- Use of progestogens