Hormones
DHEA Sulfate
What This Marker Tells Us
Measures the sulfated form of dehydroepiandrosterone, the most abundant steroid hormone your adrenal glands produce, which serves as a precursor to sex hormones and plays roles in stress resilience, immune function, and aging.
Why It Matters
Often called the "anti-aging hormone" because levels naturally decline with age, dropping roughly 80% between ages 25 and 75. It supports stress resilience, immune function, bone density, muscle maintenance, cognitive health, and mood stability. DHEA converts to testosterone and estrogen as needed, providing hormonal support throughout life. Low DHEA-S may indicate adrenal insufficiency, chronic stress, HPA axis dysfunction, or accelerated aging, correlating with fatigue, poor stress tolerance, immune vulnerability, and reduced vitality. Very high levels might suggest an adrenal tumor or DHEA supplementation. DHEA-S is more stable than cortisol, providing a reliable marker of adrenal function without requiring precise timing. Unlike cortisol which responds to acute stress, DHEA-S reflects more chronic adrenal capacity and long-term stress adaptation.
How to Interpret Your Trends
Optimal DHEA-S varies dramatically by age and sex; levels peak in the 20s then decline steadily. For adults, typical ranges are roughly 45-320 μg/dL for women and 80-560 μg/dL for men, but optimal levels are often in the upper portion of these ranges for age. DHEA-S below the reference range or in the lowest quartile for age suggests adrenal dysfunction, chronic stress, or premature aging. Very low levels (below 30-40 μg/dL) may indicate significant adrenal insufficiency. Levels in the upper half of the age-appropriate range typically support optimal vitality, stress resilience, and healthy aging. Extremely high levels warrant investigation for adrenal tumors or evaluation of supplement use.
What Influences This Marker
DHEA-S declines naturally with aging, chronic stress, sleep deprivation, hypothyroidism, chronic illness, caloric restriction, pituitary disorders, and adrenal insufficiency. It may be low in chronic fatigue syndrome and some autoimmune conditions. DHEA-S increases with DHEA supplementation (which should be guided by testing), possibly with stress reduction, improved sleep, and certain medications. Adrenal tumors can cause extremely elevated levels. Obesity and metabolic syndrome sometimes show elevated DHEA-S. Intense exercise training can suppress levels in some athletes.
How Your Team Uses It
Your coach implements stress reduction techniques, sleep optimization protocols, appropriate exercise intensity that supports rather than overwhelms adrenal function, and recovery practices between training sessions.
Related Signals We Also Review
Cortisol, testosterone, estrogen, thyroid panel, fasting glucose, and comprehensive health symptoms for full adrenal and hormonal assessment.