What DHEA-S measures
DHEA-S is the sulfated form of DHEA, with longer half-life and more stable blood levels than free DHEA. It's the practical clinical measure of DHEA status.
Age-adjusted ranges
- Age 20-30: 280-640 µg/dL
- Age 30-40: 230-500
- Age 40-50: 150-380
- Age 50-60: 100-280
- Age 60-70: 70-220
- Age 70+: 50-150
Interpretation
- Below age-adjusted reference: confirmed low; supplementation often appropriate
- Lower-third of age-adjusted range: borderline; consider supplementation if symptoms
- Mid-range: typical; no intervention usually needed
- Upper range or above: investigate cause if very high (rare)
When to supplement
DHEA supplementation reasonable when:
- Low DHEA-S confirmed
- Symptoms consistent with deficiency (fatigue, low mood, reduced libido, especially in women)
- Low sex hormone levels (DHEA can support cascade)
- Postmenopausal women
- HPA dysregulation patterns
Monitoring
- Re-test at 2-3 months
- Companion testing: testosterone, estradiol
- Watch for androgenic side effects in women (acne, hair changes)
- Adjust dose based on labs and response
The clinical pearl: DHEA-S in the lower third of age-adjusted range with relevant symptoms often responds to supplementation. Track baseline, treat, re-test. Reasonable to target young-adult range rather than age-matched.
Bottom line
DHEA-S is the practical DHEA measure. Age-adjusted interpretation. Supplementation valuable in confirmed deficiency cases. Companion testing essential.
Age-adjusted
interpretation required
25-50 mg
typical men dose
5-25 mg
typical women dose