DHEA Sulfate (DHEA-S) (1134)

DHEA-S is an androgenic steroid secreted by the adrenal cortex and is the major androgen precursor in females.

Methodology

Immunoassay-Competitive principle

• Elevated DHEA-S values aid in the diagnosis of hirsutism and virilism
• Elevated DHEA-S levels may be useful for the diagnosis of:1-4
  • All forms of excess androgen
  • Hyperprolactinemia
  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome
  • Exclusion of an androgen producing tumor of the adrenal cortex
  • Genetic enzyme defects of the adrenal cortex (adrenogenital syndrome)
  • Hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex as well as androgen producing tumors
• High doses of biotin (> 5 mg/day) may interfere with assay results. Patient assumed to be refraining from biotin supplementation for at least 3 days prior to blood draw.

References:

1. Bhasin S, Cunningham GR, Hayes FJ, et al. Testosterone therapy in men with androgen deficiency syndromes: Endocrine Society clinical practice guidelines. J Clin Endorcinol Metab. 2010;95(6):2536-2559.
2. Santen RJ, Allred DC, Ardoin SP, et al. Postmenopausal hormone therapy: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(7 Suppl 1):s1-s66.
3. Kopper NW, Gudeman J, Thompson DJ. Transdermal hormone therapy in postmenopausal women: a review of the metabolic eff ects and drug delivery technologies. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2008;2:193-202.
4. Goodman N, Cobin RH. Reproductive disorders. In: Camacho PM, Gharib H, Sizemore GW, eds. Evidence-Based Endocrinology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2012:190-228.