What is the reference range for Dehydroepiandrosterone (Saliva)?

The standard reference range for Dehydroepiandrosterone (Saliva) is Age- and sex-specific; morning sample approximately 50–300 pg/mL (method-dependent).. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform — interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Which tests measure Dehydroepiandrosterone (Saliva)?

Dehydroepiandrosterone (Saliva) is measured in 2 tests on BiomarkersLabs.com, including Adrenocortex Stress Profile (ASP), Comprehensive Adrenal Function Profile.

Biomarker Reference · DHEA

What does the Dehydroepiandrosterone (Saliva) test measure?

Dehydroepiandrosterone (Saliva) (DHEA) is a clinical biomarker used in adrenal-stress assessment. DHEA is an androgen precursor secreted by the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex under ACTH stimulation. It is measured in 2 laboratory tests on BiomarkersLabs.com.

Reference Range: Age- and sex-specific; morning sample approximately 50–300 pg/mL (method-dependent).
Units: ng/mL, nmol/L, pg/mL
Measured In: 2 tests
Category: Adrenal

Functional medicine optimalAge- and sex-appropriate values with a cortisol:DHEA ratio that reflects balanced HPA tone; exact thresholds are method- and population-specific.

What is Dehydroepiandrosterone (Saliva)?

DHEA is an androgen precursor secreted by the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex under ACTH stimulation. Its levels decline with age and are modulated by chronic stress, sleep, and metabolic state. In saliva DHEA represents the unbound, bioavailable fraction.

Why is Dehydroepiandrosterone (Saliva) measured?

Salivary DHEA is used to estimate adrenal androgen reserve and to compute the cortisol:DHEA ratio, which integrates catabolic (cortisol) and anabolic (DHEA) signals. A low DHEA or a high cortisol:DHEA ratio is interpreted in functional medicine as a marker of adrenal exhaustion or chronic stress, though these frameworks are not universally accepted in endocrinology.

Reference ranges

Standard reference: Age- and sex-specific; morning sample approximately 50–300 pg/mL (method-dependent).
Functional medicine optimal: Age- and sex-appropriate values with a cortisol:DHEA ratio that reflects balanced HPA tone; exact thresholds are method- and population-specific.
Units: ng/mL, nmol/L, pg/mL

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

Tests that measure Dehydroepiandrosterone (Saliva)

2 tests on BiomarkersLabs.com include this biomarker.

BML-ADR-003Comprehensive

Adrenocortex Stress Profile (ASP)

Dehydroepiandrosterone (Saliva) reference range in this test: Age- and sex-specific; morning sample approximately 50–300 pg/mL (method-dependent).

BML-ADR-028Comprehensive

Comprehensive Adrenal Function Profile

Dehydroepiandrosterone (Saliva) reference range in this test: Approximately 100–400 pg/mL morning; age- and sex-specific; method-specific.

Related clinical conditions

Related Biomarkers

Frequently measured alongside

Morning Cortisol (Saliva)Cortisol-AM2 tests Evening Cortisol (Saliva)Cortisol-PM2 tests Night Cortisol (Saliva)Cortisol-NT2 tests Midday Cortisol (Saliva)Cortisol-MD1 test Cortisol-to-DHEA Ratio (derived)Cortisol:DHEA3 tests Noon Cortisol (Saliva)Noon Cortisol1 test Cortisol Awakening ResponseCAR6 tests Diurnal Cortisol Slope (Derived)Cortisol Slope3 tests

Order tests measuring Dehydroepiandrosterone (Saliva) for your patients

Available exclusively to verified licensed healthcare practitioners. CLIA-certified laboratory results delivered to your secure portal.

Create Free Account