Which tests measure Dehydroepiandrosterone?

Dehydroepiandrosterone is measured in 1 test on BiomarkersLabs.com, including Blood Spot LCMS Hormones 7 with SHBG.

Biomarker Reference · DHEA

What does the Dehydroepiandrosterone test measure?

Q: What is the reference range for Dehydroepiandrosterone?

The standard reference range for Dehydroepiandrosterone is Age- and sex-dependent; peak in the third decade (males 4–12 ng/mL, females 2–8 ng/mL), declining thereafter; platform-specific intervals apply.. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform — interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a clinical biomarker used in male-hormones assessment. DHEA is an androgen precursor secreted primarily by the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex. It is measured in 1 laboratory test on BiomarkersLabs.com.

Reference Range: Age- and sex-dependent; peak in the third decade (males 4–12 ng/mL, females 2–8 ng/mL), declining thereafter; platform-specific intervals apply.
Units: ng/mL, µmol/L
Measured In: 1 test
Category: Male Hormones

Functional medicine optimalOptimal DHEA is debated; many functional practitioners target mid-range values for age and sex, though robust evidence linking supplementation to clinical outcomes remains limited.

What is Dehydroepiandrosterone?

DHEA is an androgen precursor secreted primarily by the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex. It circulates predominantly as the sulphate ester DHEA-S, which serves as a reservoir; free DHEA is the unconjugated, biologically active form. DHEA is further metabolised to androstenedione and testosterone peripherally. Its secretion peaks in early adulthood and declines with age, a phenomenon termed adrenopause.

Why is Dehydroepiandrosterone measured?

DHEA measurement assists in distinguishing adrenal from gonadal sources of androgen excess and in assessing adrenal reserve. Elevated DHEA points to adrenal hyperplasia or tumours; low DHEA may indicate adrenal insufficiency, hypopituitarism, or age-related decline. DHEA is also used off-label as a supplement, so interpretation must account for exogenous intake.

Reference ranges

Standard reference: Age- and sex-dependent; peak in the third decade (males 4–12 ng/mL, females 2–8 ng/mL), declining thereafter; platform-specific intervals apply.
Functional medicine optimal: Optimal DHEA is debated; many functional practitioners target mid-range values for age and sex, though robust evidence linking supplementation to clinical outcomes remains limited.
Units: ng/mL, µmol/L

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Tests that measure Dehydroepiandrosterone

1 test on BiomarkersLabs.com include this biomarker.

BML-HRM-016Comprehensive

Blood Spot LCMS Hormones 7 with SHBG

Dehydroepiandrosterone reference range in this test: Age- and sex-dependent; peak in the third decade (males 4–12 ng/mL, females 2–8 ng/mL), declining thereafter; platform-specific intervals apply.

Related clinical conditions

Related Biomarkers

Frequently measured alongside

TestosteroneT1 test OestradiolE21 test ProgesteroneP41 test CortisolCort1 test CortisoneE1 test Testosterone-to-Progesterone RatioT/P41 test Sex Hormone-Binding GlobulinSHBG1 test

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