Dehydroepiandrostenedione Sulphate DHEAS Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Dehydroepiandrostenedione Sulphate DHEAS Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | DHEAS sulphate test, DHEA-S, DHEA-SO4 |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 24 to 48 hours |
| Recommended For | Individuals of all ages, particularly those with hormonal disorders |
| Price | Starting at ₹500 |
What Is a Dehydroepiandrostenedione Sulphate DHEAS Test?
The dehydroepiandrostenedione sulphate test measures the level of DHEAS, a steroid hormone, in your blood. DHEAS is produced mainly by the adrenal glands, the small glands that sit above your kidneys. This test is also referred to as the DHEAS test, DHEA-S, or DHEA-SO4. Doctors prescribe it to check whether the adrenal glands are working correctly and to investigate hormonal imbalances in both men and women.
What Does a Dehydroepiandrostenedione Sulphate DHEAS Test Measure?
The DHEAS test measures a single hormone. A brief description of what it is and why it matters is given below.
| Parameter | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| DHEAS (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate) | A type of androgen (male sex hormone) present in both men and women. It helps the body produce testosterone and oestrogen, and supports sexual development and reproduction. |
Although DHEAS is classified as an androgen, it is present in both men and women. It also plays a role in the development of male sexual characteristics during puberty and supports reproduction in both sexes. Its levels change with age, peaking in young adulthood and declining gradually from around age 20 onwards.
Why Is a Dehydroepiandrostenedione Sulphate DHEAS Test Done?
A doctor may ask for this test for several reasons, from investigating symptoms of hormonal imbalance to ruling out adrenal gland disorders. Below are the most common ones.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request a DHEAS test:
- Irregular or missed periods (amenorrhoea) in women
- Excessive body or facial hair growth (hirsutism)
- Unexplained hair loss in women
- Difficulty conceiving (infertility)
- Severe or persistent acne
- Low sex drive or erectile dysfunction in men
- Unexplained weight loss, nausea, or salt cravings
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A dehydroepiandrostenedione sulphate test can help identify several hormonal and adrenal conditions, including:
- Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) formally termed PCOS, a condition affecting hormone balance in women
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, an inherited condition where the adrenal glands produce too much androgen
- Adrenal tumours, both cancerous and non-cancerous, including adrenocortical carcinoma
- Addison's disease, where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones
- Hypopituitarism, an underactive pituitary gland
- Early (precocious) puberty in boys
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Getting a DHEAS test is straightforward and requires very little preparation on your part.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. If other hormone tests have been ordered at the same time, check with your doctor whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep these points in mind before your sample is collected:
- Stop taking biotin (vitamin B7) supplements at least 72 hours before the test, as biotin can interfere with results.
- Avoid smoking before the test, since nicotine is known to raise DHEAS levels.
- Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are currently taking.
- Wear clothing with sleeves that roll up easily for quick and comfortable blood collection.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The DHEAS test procedure involves a simple blood draw that takes less than five minutes. Here is what to expect:
- A trained phlebotomist will tie a soft band around your upper arm to make the vein easier to locate.
- They will clean a small area on your arm with an antiseptic wipe.
- A fine needle is gently inserted into a vein, and a small amount of blood is collected into a tube.
- Once enough blood is collected, the needle is removed, and a small bandage is placed over the site.
- Your blood sample is labelled and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several things can influence your DHEAS test result:
- Biotin supplements taken within 72 hours of the test.
- Nicotine from smoking.
- Medications such as metformin, oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, statins, calcium channel blockers, and certain anti-seizure drugs.
- Fish oil or vitamin E supplements, which may lower DHEAS levels.
- Stress, obesity, or other underlying health conditions.
Understanding Your Dehydroepiandrostenedione Sulphate DHEAS Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed by your doctor alongside your full medical history. The table below shows the age-wise and gender-wise reference ranges for DHEAS.
| Age Range | Females (µg/dL) | Males (µg/dL) |
|---|---|---|
| 18 to 29 years | 45 to 320 | 110 to 510 |
| 30 to 39 years | 40 to 325 | 110 to 370 |
| 40 to 49 years | 25 to 220 | 45 to 345 |
| 50 to 59 years | 15 to 170 | 25 to 240 |
| 60 years and above | Less than 145 | Less than 205 |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain medications and supplements can shift your dehydroepiandrostenedione sulphate DHEAS test result significantly.
- Drugs such as metformin, danazol, calcium channel blockers, and nicotine may push levels higher than they would naturally be.
- On the other hand, insulin, oral contraceptive pills, corticosteroids, statins, fish oil, and vitamin E can reduce DHEAS levels. Biotin supplements, in particular, can cause falsely elevated results by interfering with the laboratory assay.
Always inform your doctor about everything you are taking so your results can be interpreted correctly.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness habits may help support balanced hormone levels:
- Manage stress through regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and relaxation practices, as chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance.
- Follow a balanced diet that includes adequate protein and healthy fats to support adrenal function.
- Stay well hydrated, as dehydration can affect blood test readings.
Lupin Diagnostics Dehydroepiandrostenedione Sulphate DHEAS Test Price and Home Collection
The DHEAS test price in India generally starts at around ₹450, with variation across cities. Lupin Diagnostics also offers home sample collection, so you can have your blood drawn without visiting a centre.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Guwahati | ₹500 |
| Mumbai | ₹500 |
| Bengaluru | ₹500 |
| Chennai | ₹500 |
| Hyderabad | ₹500 |
| Kolkata | ₹500 |
| Pune | ₹500 |
| Bhopal | ₹500 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 24 to 48 hours.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection across cities, so you can have blood drawn at a time that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced professionals. Your digital report is delivered directly to your email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
The DHEAS test checks whether your adrenal glands are working as they should. It is used to investigate hormonal imbalances, detect adrenal tumours, and help diagnose conditions such as PMOS, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and Addison's disease. Doctors may order it when a patient has symptoms like excess hair growth, irregular periods, or unexplained fatigue.
No, fasting is not required for the DHEAS test procedure. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. If your doctor has requested other tests at the same time, check whether any of those need fasting.
Yes. Stop taking biotin (vitamin B7) supplements at least 72 hours before the test. Biotin can interfere with laboratory assays used to measure DHEAS and may produce a falsely high result if not avoided beforehand.
Yes, several medications can alter your dehydroepiandrostenedione sulphate DHEAS test result. Drugs including metformin, oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, and certain anti-seizure medications can lower results, while calcium channel blockers and nicotine may raise them. Share a full list of your medicines and supplements with your doctor before testing.
A raised level may point to conditions such as PCOS, adrenal tumours, or congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Very high levels, five times or more above normal, can indicate an androgen-secreting adrenal growth. Your doctor will usually request further tests before making a diagnosis.
Low DHEAS levels may indicate Addison's disease (where the adrenal glands are underactive) or hypopituitarism (an underactive pituitary gland). A gradual natural decline in DHEAS is also normal with age, starting from around 20 years onwards.
In women, the DHEAS test is frequently ordered alongside tests for FSH, LH, prolactin, oestrogen, and testosterone. Together, these results help doctors investigate conditions such as PMOS, unexplained infertility, irregular periods, and excessive hair growth.
Dehydroepiandrostenedione Sulphate DHEAS Test: Booking, Price, and Results
