The Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) blood test measures levels of DHEA-S, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a role in creating estrogen and testosterone.

It helps regulate energy, mood, and overall hormonal balance. Abnormal levels may signal adrenal disorders, hormonal imbalance, or issues affecting metabolism and wellbeing. Monitoring DHEA-S can be important for understanding fatigue, changes in mood, or difficulties with weight management.

This guide explains what it is, how it works, what your results mean, and how you can book a comprehensive blood test to check your Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S).

What is Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S)?

Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) is a hormone made mainly by your adrenal glands, which sit just above your kidneys. Think of it as a “raw ingredient” your body uses to make other key hormones, including testosterone and oestrogen. Because of this, DHEA-S plays a big part in keeping your hormonal system in balance.

Levels of DHEA-S naturally peak in early adulthood and then slowly decline with age. Low levels have been linked with fatigue, low mood, and difficulties managing weight, while high levels can sometimes signal overactive adrenal glands or certain medical conditions.

Quick facts about DHEA-S:

• Made in the adrenal glands and converted into sex hormones.
• Peaks in your 20s and gradually declines with age.
• Imbalances may affect mood, energy, and metabolism.

By measuring DHEA-S, doctors can better understand whether your symptoms are connected to hormone balance or adrenal health.

Why is Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) important?

Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) isn’t just another hormone—it acts like a "reserve tank" for sex hormones, supplying raw material your body can convert into estrogen or testosterone when needed. Because of this, it plays a vital role in metabolism, mood, energy, and the long-term integrity of your endocrine system.

When DHEA-S levels fall too low, your body may struggle to maintain hormonal balance. Low levels have been linked to fatigue, poor metabolic health, weight gain, weaker immunity, and even higher risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. In one meta-analysis, individuals in the lowest DHEA-S group had a 46 % higher risk of all-cause mortality and a 49 % higher risk of cardiovascular death compared to those with higher levels.

On the flip side, extremely high DHEA-S may indicate adrenal overactivity or pathology, which can throw off steroid balance and lead to issues such as hormonal excess, insulin resistance, or androgen symptoms.

In short: maintaining DHEA-S within a healthy range supports metabolic resilience, hormonal harmony, and may even influence healthy ageing and longevity.

When should you get a Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) test?

Testing your Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) levels can provide valuable insights into your adrenal and hormonal health. A GP may recommend this test in several situations:

• Persistent fatigue, low mood, or difficulties managing weight.
• Symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as irregular periods, infertility, or excessive hair growth.
• Family history of adrenal disorders or endocrine conditions.
• Chronic conditions that affect hormone balance, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or adrenal disease.
• Monitoring adrenal function during pregnancy when hormone shifts are significant.
• GP referral as part of a broader hormone or metabolic panel.

By testing at the right time, you and your healthcare provider can better understand whether adrenal activity and hormone production are influencing your overall wellbeing.

How does the Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) test work in Australia?

The Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) blood test is a simple pathology test done through a standard blood draw, usually from a vein in your arm. No special preparation is typically required, and fasting is not necessary unless your GP orders additional tests at the same time.

In Australia, the test may be covered by Medicare if your doctor requests it for a medical reason, such as investigating adrenal or hormonal disorders. If you do not have a referral, you can still access the test privately. The Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) test cost Australia can vary, but on average you may pay between $50 and $100 when done outside Medicare coverage.

Many people choose to include this as part of a broader hormone or metabolic health panel. Comprehensive blood test packages available through private providers make it easier to track DHEA-S alongside other important markers, giving a more complete view of your health.

By understanding how the test works and what it costs, you can make informed choices about when and how to check your hormone balance.

What do my Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) test results mean?

Your Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) results show how well your adrenal glands are producing this key hormone. Healthy levels support energy, mood, and hormone balance. Both low and high results can point to different health concerns, which your doctor will interpret alongside other hormone markers.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

DHEA-S is often assessed alongside other hormone markers such as cortisol, testosterone, or oestrogen to get a full picture of endocrine health. Results outside the normal range do not always mean disease, but they may signal the need for further testing or monitoring.

Always discuss your results with a healthcare professional, who can guide you on whether lifestyle changes, further blood tests, or medical treatment are recommended.

Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEA-S) in context with other tests

Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEA-S) is a valuable hormone marker, but it should not be viewed in isolation. To gain a fuller understanding of your health, doctors often assess DHEA-S alongside other hormones and metabolic indicators. This helps to determine whether symptoms are linked to adrenal function, sex hormone balance, or broader endocrine concerns.

For instance, DHEA-S may be interpreted together with:

• Cortisol to evaluate adrenal activity and the body’s stress response.
• Testosterone and oestrogen to see how DHEA-S is converted into sex hormones.
• Other measures of metabolic health, such as fasting glucose or cholesterol.

Considering these results together provides clearer insight into patterns, such as whether tiredness stems from stress, hormonal imbalance, or wider metabolic factors. This combined approach supports more accurate diagnosis and tailored care.

Lifestyle and practical steps for Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEA-S)

Although your adrenal glands produce Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEA-S) naturally, certain lifestyle factors can influence how well your body maintains healthy levels. Small, consistent changes to daily habits may support better hormone balance and overall wellbeing.

1. Eat a balanced diet: Focus on lean protein, healthy fats, and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Limiting processed foods and excess sugar can help stabilise energy and hormone regulation.
2. Prioritise quality sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of restorative rest each night. Poor or disrupted sleep may reduce DHEA-S production and affect hormone balance.
3. Manage stress effectively: High stress raises cortisol, which can disrupt DHEA-S levels. Mindfulness, breathing exercises, or yoga can help calm the nervous system.
4. Exercise moderately: Regular activity such as walking, swimming, or cycling supports metabolism, mood, and adrenal health. Overtraining without recovery may lower DHEA-S.
5. Support your micronutrient intake: Nutrients such as vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium are linked to healthy hormone production. A balanced diet is usually the best source.
6. Maintain a consistent routine: Keeping steady meal times, sleep schedules, and exercise habits helps regulate your body’s natural hormonal rhythm.

The best starting point is testing — once you know your levels, you can take personalised steps.

FAQs about the Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEA-S) test in Australia

What is a Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEA-S) test?

It’s a blood test that measures levels of DHEA-S, a hormone made by the adrenal glands. It helps assess adrenal function, hormone balance, and overall metabolic health.

How much does a Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEA-S) test cost in Australia?

If referred by a GP, the test may be covered by Medicare. Without a referral, private costs usually range from $50 to $100.

Do I need a referral for a DHEA-S test?

Yes, a GP referral is generally required for Medicare coverage. However, private health providers may offer the test without a referral.

Is the DHEA-S test safe during pregnancy?

Yes, it’s a simple blood test and considered safe during pregnancy. Doctors may use it to monitor adrenal and hormone levels when needed.

What symptoms suggest I may need a DHEA-S test?

Common reasons include persistent fatigue, low mood, irregular periods, infertility, or signs of excess androgens such as hair loss or unwanted hair growth.

What is the normal range for DHEA-S?

For adults, the reference range is typically 3–10 µmol/L. Levels below or above this may indicate adrenal underactivity or overactivity.

Can a DHEA-S test be part of a comprehensive blood panel?

Yes, many health providers include it in broader hormone and metabolic panels for a more complete view of your health.

Conclusion

Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEA-S) is a key hormone made by the adrenal glands and used to produce testosterone and oestrogen. It influences mood, energy, metabolism, and overall hormone balance. Levels that are too low may contribute to fatigue, low mood, or difficulties managing weight, while levels that are too high can point to adrenal overactivity or related conditions.

Testing your DHEA-S is a practical way to better understand your hormonal health and how it may be affecting your daily life. Whether you are experiencing symptoms, managing a chronic condition, or simply want a clearer picture of your wellbeing, knowing your results provides a strong foundation for next steps.

Taking this test is not just about numbers on a report — it’s about gaining knowledge that helps you feel more in control of your health.

Take control of your health today. Sign up for our comprehensive blood test and get clear insights into your Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEA-S) and more than 50 other key markers.

References

• Pathology Tests Explained. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS).
• Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) Manual. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate.
• RACGP/AJGP. Virilisation in a young woman.
• Labrie F, Bélanger A, Cusan L, et al. Marked decline in serum concentrations of adrenal C19 sex steroid precursors and conjugated androgen metabolites during ageing. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997;82(8):2396–2402.