What does the Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (LC-MS dried blood spot) test measure?

Why is Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (LC-MS dried blood spot) measured?

DHEA-S is used to distinguish adrenal from ovarian or testicular androgen excess in hirsutism and virilisation, to screen for adrenal tumours or late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and to assess adrenal reserve. Functional practitioners also track age-related decline, though the clinical significance of supplementing physiological decline remains debated.

Reference ranges

Standard reference

Age- and sex-specific; peaks in the third decade (approximately 200–500 µg/dL in men, 100–400 µg/dL in women) and declines with age. ZRT platform-specific intervals apply.

Functional medicine optimal

Age-adjusted mid-reference range is commonly targeted in functional practice, but interventional trials have not established clear symptomatic thresholds.

Units

µg/dL, µmol/L

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