Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS)
Biochemistry Overview / Directory
Purpose of the test
The major circulating androgens are testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA and androstenedione are the principal adrenal androgens and are intermediaries in the synthesis of androgenic and oestrogenic hormones in both sexes.
Approximately 50% of testosterone in the system is derived from the peripheral conversion of steroid precursors, androstenedione and to a lesser extent DHEA. The plasma half-life of DHEA is short and most DHEA is converted to DHEAS therefore DHEAS is the preferred analyte in the assessment of adrenal androgen production.
Serum DHEAS measurements are most commonly used in the assessment and differential diagnosis of a virilized patient. Virilization occurs due to increased concentrations of androgens that can induce balding, amenorrhoea and hirsutism. Marked increases in plasma testosterone are associated with virilizing tumours of the ovary yet in such patients DHEAS concentrations can be near normal. Virilizing tumours of the adrenals however secrete large amounts of potent androgens as well as DHEAS.
Elevated DHEAS concentrations are also seen in patients with adrenal hyperplasia. High concentrations are also found in polycystic ovary syndrome indicating that adrenal hyperandrogenism is characteristic of this syndrome.
Since DHEAS concentrations reflect androgen production the measurement of serum concentrations serve as an early indicator for the onset of adrenarche.
Extremely high concentrations in women is suggestive of a hormone secreting tumour.
Reference Range
Female (µmol/L)
Age & Reference Range
20 29yr :1.8 10.3;
30 39yr : 1.2 7.3;
40 49yr : 0.8 6.5;
50 59yr : 0.7 5.4;
60 - 69yr : 0.4 3.5;
70 79yr : 0.5 2.4
Male (µmol/L)
Age & Reference Range
20 29yr : 7.6 17.4;
30 39yr : 3.3 14.1;
40 49yr : 2.6 14.4;
50 59yr : 1.9 8.4;
60 - 69yr : 1.1 7.9;
70 79yr : 0.8 4.7
Sample Requirements
Serum from a plain vacutainer (100 µL).
Storage and Transport
Stable at 2 - 8°C for up to 24 hours. Send by overnight first class post.
Turnaround Time
2 weeks
Price
Price available on application - please contact adrian.turner@kch.nhs.uk. Discounts could be available for significant workloads.
Contacts
Dr Roy Sherwood
T 020 3299 3726
Miss Rachel Langworthy
T 020 3299 4130
