DHEA Level Calculator

DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is a hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands. It serves as a precursor to sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen. Measuring DHEA-S helps evaluate adrenal function, hormonal imbalances, and age-related hormonal decline, since levels naturally decrease significantly after your mid-20s.

Normal ranges vary widely by age and sex. For adult males aged 18–29, typical values are roughly 280–640 µg/dL, declining to 65–310 µg/dL by age 60–69. For adult females aged 18–29, ranges are around 145–395 µg/dL, dropping to 45–200 µg/dL by age 60–69. Post-menopausal women and elderly men have the lowest expected values.

Below-normal DHEA-S can suggest adrenal insufficiency, chronic stress, hypopituitarism, or simply accelerated age-related hormonal decline. Low DHEA-S has also been associated with increased fatigue, reduced libido, and impaired immune function. A physician should evaluate low results in clinical context.

Elevated DHEA-S may indicate adrenal hyperplasia, an adrenal tumor, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women, or exogenous DHEA supplementation. High levels in women can cause symptoms like acne, excess body hair, and irregular periods. Persistently high results warrant further medical investigation.

The Cortisol:DHEA-S ratio reflects the balance between the stress hormone cortisol and the protective/anabolic hormone DHEA-S. A higher ratio (elevated cortisol relative to DHEA-S) is associated with chronic stress, accelerated aging, immune suppression, and reduced resilience. An optimal ratio is generally considered to be below 5–7 when cortisol is in µg/dL and DHEA-S is also in µg/dL.

To convert from µg/dL to µmol/L, multiply by 0.02714 (molecular weight factor for DHEA-S is approximately 368.5 g/mol). To go the other direction, divide µmol/L by 0.02714. This calculator handles the conversion automatically once you select your input unit.

Yes. Over-the-counter DHEA supplements are widely available and can raise DHEA-S blood levels noticeably within days to weeks. If you are taking DHEA supplements, inform your doctor before testing, as it will affect interpretation of your lab result and this calculator's assessment.

For general wellness monitoring, testing DHEA-S once every 12 months is typically sufficient. If you are being treated for an adrenal disorder, undergoing hormone therapy, or taking DHEA supplements, your clinician may recommend more frequent testing every 3–6 months to track response and adjust dosing.