Free Testosterone (Female)

Description

The DHEA-S (Female) Test from BiomarkersLabs.com measures Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate in women — the sulphated, storage form of DHEA and the most abundant circulating steroid hormone in the human body. DHEA-S is produced almost exclusively by the adrenal cortex and serves as a precursor for the peripheral synthesis of both androgens and oestrogens. Because DHEA-S is produced almost entirely by the adrenal glands (unlike DHEA itself, which has both adrenal and gonadal sources), elevated DHEA-S reliably points to an adrenal source of androgen excess — making it a critical marker for differentiating adrenal from ovarian hyperandrogenism in women presenting with PCOS-like features, hirsutism, or virilisation.

DHEA-S declines progressively with age — peaking in the mid-twenties and falling by 80–90% by the eighth decade — and this decline has been associated with age-related reductions in vitality, cognitive function, immune competence, and bone density in functional and longevity medicine contexts. Low DHEA-S in younger women may reflect adrenal insufficiency, chronic stress, or HPA axis dysregulation. Results are CLIA-certified (USA) and IVDR-compliant (EU/UK), delivered to the practitioner portal within 1–3 business days.

What does the DHEA-S (Female) Test measure?

DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate — female) — the sulphated form of DHEA, produced almost exclusively by the adrenal cortex and serving as the major circulating androgen precursor in women. Elevated DHEA-S indicates adrenal androgen excess (adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal tumour, or functional adrenal androgen overproduction). Normal DHEA-S alongside elevated testosterone in a woman with hyperandrogenism suggests an ovarian source (PCOS or ovarian tumour) rather than adrenal. Age-related decline in DHEA-S is a recognised feature of ageing and is measured in longevity and functional medicine assessments.

Clinical indications

PCOS androgen source differentiation — DHEA-S measurement is essential in PCOS assessment to distinguish ovarian from adrenal androgen excess. Markedly elevated DHEA-S shifts the differential towards adrenal causes (CAH, adrenal tumour) rather than PCOS.

Hirsutism and hyperandrogenism workup — in women presenting with excess hair growth or other signs of androgen excess, DHEA-S is measured alongside total testosterone and SHBG to characterise the source of androgen overproduction.

Suspected congenital adrenal hyperplasia — mildly to moderately elevated DHEA-S alongside elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone suggests late-onset (non-classical) congenital adrenal hyperplasia — a common mimic of PCOS in reproductive-age women.

Suspected adrenal androgen-secreting tumour — markedly elevated DHEA-S (typically above 18 µmol/L) in a woman with rapid-onset virilisation raises concern for an adrenal androgen-secreting tumour and warrants urgent imaging.

Adrenal insufficiency and HPA axis assessment — low DHEA-S in a younger woman may indicate adrenal insufficiency or chronic HPA axis suppression from prolonged stress or glucocorticoid therapy.

Functional medicine longevity and adrenal assessment — DHEA-S is used as a functional adrenal ageing marker in longevity and integrative medicine practice to guide DHEA supplementation decisions.

Sample type and collection

Blood (serum). No fasting required. Venepuncture at an approved collection site. DHEA-S is relatively stable across the day and does not require timed collection, though morning collection is conventional. No specific cycle-day timing is required.

Turnaround time

1–3 business days from specimen receipt.

Availability

USA · EU · UK · Canada

Compliance

CLIA Certified · IVDR Compliant · CE Marked · HIPAA Compliant · GDPR Compliant · PIPEDA Compliant

How to order

Register free at BiomarkersLabs.com. Licensed practitioners only. Pay per test — no subscription required. Results are delivered directly and securely to your practitioner portal and are never released directly to patients.