Book DHEAS Test in Gaya | DHEA Sulphate Blood Test

The DHEA Sulphate test is a blood test that measures the level of DHEAS, the sulphated and most abundantly circulating form of dehydroepiandrosterone, an androgen precursor hormone produced almost exclusively by the adrenal cortex. Unlike DHEA itself, which has a short half-life and fluctuates significantly throughout the day, DHEAS is highly stable in the bloodstream with a half-life of approximately 7 to 10 hours, making it the preferred and most clinically reliable marker of adrenal androgen production. DHEAS serves as the primary circulating reservoir from which peripheral tissues synthesise the more potent androgens testosterone and dihydrotestosterone as well as oestrogens, depending on the enzymatic machinery present in the target tissue. The adrenal glands produce DHEAS in response to adrenocorticotrophic hormone from the pituitary gland, and production follows a characteristic lifetime trajectory. Levels rise sharply during adrenarche, the prepubertal activation of adrenal androgen production that occurs between ages six and ten, peak in the mid-twenties, and then progressively decline with age, falling to approximately 20 percent of peak values by the seventh decade of life. This age-related decline, sometimes referred to as adrenopause, has generated considerable research interest regarding its potential contributions to age-related changes in body composition, immune function, and wellbeing. In India, DHEAS testing is increasingly relevant in the evaluation of conditions including polycystic ovary syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal tumours, and premature adrenarche, all of which are associated with dysregulated adrenal androgen production. The test is performed on a small blood sample drawn from a vein and completed in under five minutes.

Doctors prescribe a DHEAS test in the following situations: Investigating androgen excess in women with hirsutism, acne, menstrual irregularity, and virilisation where a markedly elevated DHEAS specifically points toward an adrenal rather than ovarian source of excess androgen production, fundamentally directing the diagnostic workup toward adrenal imaging and adrenal-specific investigations. Evaluating polycystic ovary syndrome where DHEAS measurement alongside testosterone, free androgen index, and LH to FSH ratio helps characterise the relative contributions of ovarian and adrenal androgen excess to the clinical presentation, informing the most appropriate targeted treatment strategy for each individual patient. Diagnosing congenital adrenal hyperplasia in children and adults where elevated DHEAS alongside elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone indicates deficiency of adrenal steroidogenic enzymes, most commonly 21-hydroxylase deficiency, causing shunting of cortisol precursors toward androgen synthesis pathways and resulting in androgen excess. Assessing adrenal tumours including adrenal adenomas and adrenocortical carcinomas where markedly elevated DHEAS, particularly above 700 mcg/dL, raises strong suspicion for an androgen-secreting adrenal neoplasm requiring urgent adrenal imaging with CT or MRI and specialist endocrinological evaluation. Investigating premature adrenarche in girls and boys presenting with early pubic hair development, axillary hair, adult body odour, and mild acne before age eight in girls and nine in boys where elevated DHEAS for age confirms early adrenal androgen activation requiring clinical assessment to exclude pathological causes. Evaluating adrenal insufficiency where low DHEAS alongside low cortisol and abnormal ACTH stimulation test findings contributes to the hormonal profile of primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency and guides decisions regarding adrenal hormone replacement therapy.

The DHEAS test measures the concentration of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate in the blood, expressed in micrograms per decilitre (mcg/dL) or micromoles per litre (µmol/L). Reference ranges vary significantly by age and gender and must always be interpreted within the appropriate age and sex-specific context. Typical adult reference ranges are 80 to 560 mcg/dL in men aged 18 to 49 and 35 to 430 mcg/dL in premenopausal women, with values declining progressively in both sexes after the age of 30 and falling further after menopause in women. Normal A result within the age and gender appropriate reference range indicates that adrenal androgen production is within expected physiological limits. In women with symptoms of androgen excess, a normal DHEAS effectively directs clinical attention toward the ovaries as the more likely source of excess androgen production rather than the adrenal glands. Low DHEAS A low DHEAS result indicates reduced adrenal androgen output, which may be seen in adrenal insufficiency, hypopituitarism with reduced ACTH stimulation, advancing age reflecting physiological adrenopause, and in patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy where exogenous steroid suppresses endogenous adrenal function. Clinical significance depends on the degree of reduction and the presence of associated symptoms. Elevated DHEAS An elevated DHEAS result indicates excess adrenal androgen production. Mild to moderate elevation is commonly seen in PCOS, non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and stress-related adrenal activation. Markedly elevated DHEAS above 700 mcg/dL raises strong concern for an androgen-secreting adrenal tumour and requires urgent adrenal imaging and specialist evaluation without delay.

No strict fasting is required for the DHEAS test, as the stability of DHEAS in the bloodstream means its concentration is not significantly affected by recent food intake. However, since DHEAS is frequently ordered alongside cortisol, fasting insulin, testosterone, and other hormonal markers as part of a comprehensive adrenal or androgen panel, fasting for 8 hours before collection is generally advisable to ensure accuracy of all co-ordered investigations. Morning collection between 7 AM and 10 AM is recommended for the DHEAS test, particularly when it is ordered alongside serum cortisol, which has a pronounced diurnal peak in the early morning. Although DHEAS itself does not exhibit significant diurnal variation, consistent morning timing ensures that all co-ordered hormonal parameters are collected under standardised conditions for reliable interpretation. Inform your doctor about all medications currently being taken before the test, particularly corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, anti-androgen medications, insulin sensitisers such as metformin, and any herbal preparations with hormonal activity, as these directly influence adrenal androgen production and DHEAS levels. If you are undergoing serial DHEAS measurements to monitor treatment response, consistent timing and use of the same laboratory assay platform ensures reliable trend comparison across visits. Staying well hydrated before the blood draw facilitates easier venous access and a smooth collection experience.

If you are booking through the SecondMedic platform the DHEAS test price in Gaya can cost you around Rs. 1089. You may also consider booking a comprehensive adrenal androgen panel that includes DHEAS alongside total testosterone, free testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, cortisol, and SHBG for a complete assessment of adrenal and gonadal androgen status at a bundled price on SecondMedic.

SecondMedic offers convenient home sample collection for the DHEAS test in Gaya, making it easy to get tested without visiting a diagnostic centre. Home collection is available free of charge for orders above Rs. 300. A trained phlebotomist will visit your preferred address between 7 AM and 10 PM, seven days a week, including Sundays and public holidays. Your blood sample is processed at NABL-accredited partner laboratories, and your report is delivered within 24 hours directly to your WhatsApp and email.