The DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) levels in the blood are determined by this test. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is referred to as DHEAS. A male sex hormone called DHEAS is present in both men and women. DHEAS is crucial in producing the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone in men and women. Moreover, it plays a role in the maturation of male sexual traits throughout puberty.
DHEAS is mostly produced in adrenal glands. Heart rate, blood pressure, and other bodily processes are under their control. The testicles of a man and the ovaries of a woman produce less DHEAS. If your DHEAS levels are abnormal, it might indicate that your adrenal glands or sex organs (testicles or ovaries) are having some problems.
What is it used for?
Most frequently, a DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) test is used to:
- Check whether your adrenal glands are functioning properly or not.
- Determine the presence of adrenal gland tumors.
- Identify the testicles and ovaries' ailments.
- Find out why males experience early puberty.
- Find out what causes women's and girls' development of masculine traits and excessive body hair growth.
- In addition to other sex hormone tests, a DHEAS test is frequently performed. They include testing for estrogen in women and testosterone in males.
What is the need for DHEA sulfate?
If you have symptoms of either high or low DHEA sulfate levels, this test could be necessary. Males who have high amounts of DHEAS may not exhibit any symptoms. In women and girls, excessive DHEAS levels might cause the following symptoms:
- Excess hair growth on the body and face.
- Menstrual irregularities
- Deepening of voice
- Acne
- Increased muscular mass
- Hair loss
Infants who have genitalia that is not distinctly male or female may also require testing (ambiguous genitalia). If a boy exhibits symptoms of early puberty, this test may be necessary.
The following indicators of an adrenal gland dysfunction might be markers of low DHEAS levels:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Dehydration
- Craving for salt
Other symptoms of low DHEAS are related to aging and may include:
- Decreased sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction in men
- Thinning of vaginal tissues in women
What happens in a DHEA sulfate test?
A tiny needle will be used by a medical practitioner to draw blood from a vein in your arm. A tiny amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial once the needle has been placed. The needle may hurt somewhat when it enters or exits your body. Usually, this only needs a few minutes.
How to prepare for the test?
A DHEA sulfate test requires no particular preparation on your part.
Does the test include any risks?
The risk or danger of getting a blood test is quite low. Even though you can have some little discomfort or pain at the injection site, most effects will go away soon.
What do the findings indicate?
If your tests reveal elevated DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) levels, you may be suffering from one of the following conditions:
- A hereditary condition of the adrenal glands is known as congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
- The adrenal gland's tumor. It could be malignant or benign (noncancerous).
- Ovarian polycystic syndrome (PCOS). A frequent hormone problem affecting women who are capable of having children is PCOS. That is one of the main reasons why women struggle to conceive.
If your DHEAS levels are low, you might be suffering from one of the following conditions:
- Addison's illness: The inability of the adrenal glands to produce enough of several hormones is known as Addison's disease.
- Hypopituitarism: When the pituitary gland does not produce adequate pituitary hormones, the condition is known as hypopituitarism.
If you have concerns or any doubts talk to your doctor.
Important information to know about a DHEA sulfate test?
Normally DHEA sulfate levels decline with age in both men and women.. There are over-the-counter DHEA sulfate supplements that are marketed as an anti-aging treatment. The negative effects of these supplements might even be life-threatening. See your doctor if you have any queries regarding DHEA supplements.
