What is DHEAS?
DHEAS is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands. It is converted to testosterone and estrogen. DHEAS is measured to evaluate adrenal function and certain adrenal tumours, signs of imbalanced hormones or excess facial and body hair in girls and women, or early puberty in boys. It may also be used to investigate symptoms like tiredness, weakness, & weight loss.
Why test DHEAS?
Testing DHEA-S levels is important for several reasons. Firstly, it helps discover your risk factors for lifestyle diseases in time to do something about them. Secondly, monitoring DHEA-S allows you to observe changes in your blood values as you make lifestyle changes, take supplements, or undergo treatments. in the case of signs and symptoms of excess male hormones, such as unexplained weight gain, fatigue, or abnormal hair growth testing DHEA-S can help identify and address these hormonal imbalances.
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What do the results mean?
DHEAS results are evaluated alongside other test results.
What causes low DHEAS?
Low concentrations of DHEA-S could be caused by adrenal dysfunction or hypopituitarism, or a condition that causes decreased levels of the pituitary hormones that regulate the production and secretion of adrenal hormones. Normal DHEA-S concentrations, alongside normal concentrations of other androgens, suggest that the adrenal gland is functioning normally or (more rarely) that an adrenal tumour or cancer present is not secreting hormones.
Symptoms of low DHEAS
Low levels of DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) can lead to various symptoms due to its role in hormone production and overall health. Common symptoms of low DHEA-S include fatigue, reduced muscle mass and strength, and a decrease in bone density, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Individuals might also experience a decline in libido, mood changes such as depression or anxiety, and cognitive issues like memory problems. Additionally, low DHEA-S can contribute to a weakened immune system, making one more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
What causes high DHEAS?
High levels of DHEA-S are common in women with PCOS. It could also indicate adrenal cancer or adrenal hyperplasia. Increased concentrations of DHEA-S are not diagnostic of a specific condition; they usually indicate the need for further testing to pinpoint the cause of the hormone imbalance.
Symptoms of high DHEAS
High levels of DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) can lead to various symptoms due to its effect on hormonal balance. Common symptoms include acne, oily skin, and hair loss, especially in women. Individuals may also experience irregular menstrual cycles, excessive facial or body hair growth (hirsutism), and deeper voice changes. Mood swings, anxiety, and increased aggression are also possible. High DHEA-S levels can be linked to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or adrenal gland disorders.