Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEA-S), plasma or serum

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is the most abundant adrenal androgen and also functions as a neurosteroid that is produced by the adrenal cortex. DHEA-S is an excellent indicator of adrenal androgen production. DHEA-S exhibits only weak androgenic activity but can be metabolized to more active androgens such as testosterone and androstenedione. Serum concentrations decline with age and can serve as a prognostic factor in both critical illnesses and breast cancer progression. Elevated levels of DHEA-S are found in the plasma of patients with adrenal tumors or congenital adrenal hyperplasia. DHEA-S may also be slightly elevated in patients with polycystic ovaries. Tumors in men that produce hCG may lead to increased levels of testicular DHEA-S.