Educational information from Her Form — reviewed for accuracy by our health specialists.
Not a substitute for personal medical advice. Optional 1:1 consults with Robyn, our consulting women's-health specialist, are available on request.
What it is
DHEA-S is the storage form of DHEA, made by the adrenal glands. It serves as a building block for sex hormones, particularly after the ovaries slow down.
Why it matters for women
DHEA-S peaks in the 20s and declines roughly 2% per year. Low levels are linked to low libido, fatigue and reduced resilience to stress. High levels can point to PCOS or adrenal disorders.
Optimal range
Age-dependent. 30s: 150–300 μg/dL · 40s: 100–250 · 50s: 70–200
Standard lab range
Lab ranges run 35–430.
When it's high
- ↑PCOS (adrenal pattern)
- ↑Stress, adrenal hyperplasia
- ↑Acne, hair changes
When it's low
- ↓Fatigue
- ↓Low libido
- ↓Burnout, prolonged stress
- ↓Age-related decline
References
- Endocrine Society — Adrenal insufficiency guidelines— HPA-axis testing, cortisol norms and adrenal disorders
- NICE — Adrenal disorders— Assessment of abnormal cortisol and DHEA-S patterns
- Jean Hailes — Stress and hormonal health— Chronic stress and the female HPA axis
- Endocrine Society — DHEA and adrenal health— DHEA-S as an adrenal reserve marker
References are provided for educational context only. Always interpret results with a qualified healthcare professional.
A note on interpretation. Ranges above are what our health specialists works to in healthy women. They are not a diagnosis — a single result always needs context from your symptoms, cycle phase and other markers.