DHEA-Sulphate

DHEA-sulphate, often written as DHEAS, is a hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands, the small, triangular glands that sit on top of each kidney. It serves as a precursor hormone, meaning your body uses it as a raw material to manufacture other important hormones, including testosterone and oestrogen. Because of this upstream role, DHEAS provides a helpful window into how well your adrenal glands are functioning and how your body manages its broader hormonal supply chain. You can think of DHEAS as a versatile ingredient in your body's hormone kitchen, on its own it has relatively mild effects, but it can be converted into a variety of more potent hormones depending on what your tissues need at any given time. This conversion happens locally in your cells, which means different parts of your body can tailor the hormone supply to their own requirements. DHEAS circulates in relatively large quantities compared to other hormones, and because its levels remain fairly stable throughout the day, it is a convenient and reliable marker to measure. Healthy DHEAS levels are associated with a general sense of energy and wellbeing, and they support immune function, mood, and resilience to stress.

One of the most notable features of DHEAS is that it peaks in your twenties and then gradually declines with age, this is entirely normal and is one of the most predictable hormonal changes your body goes through. By the time you reach your seventies, levels may be only ten to twenty per cent of what they were at their peak. Beyond ageing, DHEAS can be affected by chronic stress, because the adrenal glands are also responsible for producing cortisol, your body's main stress hormone, and prolonged stress can shift the balance of adrenal output. Certain medications, particularly corticosteroids, can also influence your levels. If your DHEAS result is unexpectedly high or low for your age, it is a good idea to discuss it with your GP, who can consider it in the context of your overall health and other hormone results.