What is the DHEAS Test? Let's talk about it in detail!

Have you ever heard of a DHEAS test? Your doctor may have told you about one. In this article, we will explain what DHEAS is, what it measures, and who it is important for. There is nothing to worry about, it is just like a regular blood test.

What is the DHEAS test?

Simply put, the DHEAS test is a test that measures the amount of a hormone called Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEAS) in your blood. DHEAS is a steroid hormone that is naturally present in all of us. It is produced primarily by your adrenal glands. DHEAS levels typically peak during puberty and gradually decline as we age.

So, what actually happens with this DHEAS?

Your body uses DHEAS to make hormones called androgens (such as testosterone and androstenedione) and estrogen. You know that men produce more testosterone and women produce more estrogen. However, all of these hormones are produced and used by everyone, regardless of gender.

In particular, DHEAS is very important for the development of male sexual characteristics during puberty and for the healthy functioning of everyone's reproductive system.

What is the role of the adrenal glands?

We have two adrenal glands, located above our kidneys. These two glands produce most of the DHEAS our body needs. In addition, a small amount of DHEAS is produced by the testicles in men and the ovaries in women.

These adrenal glands perform several other important functions:

• Produces DHEAS, which is needed to make sex hormones.
• It produces a hormone called cortisol, which helps our immune system and metabolism.
• It also helps control many bodily functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure.

Who is usually asked to do this DHEAS test?

If your doctor thinks you have an adrenal disorder, an adrenal tumor, or another related problem, they may order a DHEAS test. This test can tell you how well your adrenal glands are working.

Also, sometimes this DHEAS test is done on babies or young children who are intersex. Intersex is a condition in which a person's reproductive or sexual organs do not fit the binary classification of male/female.

What happens if DHEAS levels increase?

If boys have high DHEAS levels, they may experience ``precocious puberty'' . This means they enter puberty earlier than expected. However, if an adult male has high DHEAS levels, he may not experience any major symptoms.

If a woman's DHEAS levels are elevated, the following can happen:

• Irregularities in the menstrual cycle, sometimes even a complete cessation of menstruation (amenorrhea), can occur.
• Unwanted hair growth on the body (hirsutism). Think of it like the face or chest.
• Hair loss.
• Difficulty having children (infertility).
• Severe acne.
• Vaginal dryness (vaginal atrophy).

What happens if DHEAS levels decrease?

Low DHEAS levels can lead to sexual dysfunction in both men and women, such as low libido. Men can also experience erectile dysfunction.

In addition, low DHEAS levels can cause the following:

• Increased thirst and excessive desire for salt (dehydration and salt cravings).
• Dizziness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Being thin for no reason.

Who performs this DHEAS test? How is it done?

The DHEAS test requires a blood sample to be taken from you. This is a specialized test, so not all labs do it. Your doctor will refer you to a specific lab that can perform this test.

This blood draw takes less than five minutes. A phlebotomist, a person who is specially trained to draw blood, takes the blood sample. Your doctor may also want to test other hormone levels, such as testosterone or estrogen, from the same blood sample.

What exactly happens when you give blood for the test?

When drawing blood, the doctor or phlebotomist does this:

• First, an elastic band (tourniquet) is tied around the upper part of your arm, the bicep. This will fill the blood vessels with more blood. This will make it easier to find a vein.
• Then your skin is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
• Next, a thin, hollow needle is inserted into a vein on the inside of your arm. You may feel a slight sting when the needle hits your skin, like an ant stinging you, but there is no significant pain.
• The blood is collected into syringes or small bottles (vials).
• When the blood draw is almost finished, the tourniquet is removed from the arm, and then the needle is removed.
• A piece of clean cotton gauze is placed over the site where the needle was inserted and pressed firmly to stop the bleeding.
• Then, either cover the cotton ball with medical tape or apply a plaster to the area.
• Finally, the blood sample is sent to the lab for analysis.

Is there any special preparation needed before the DHEAS test?

Unlike some other hormones, DHEAS levels are generally stable throughout the day. So the time of day you take the DHEAS test will not have a significant impact on the results. Unless your doctor advises otherwise, you can eat and drink normally before the DHEAS test.

However, if you are taking any medications or supplements, it is a good idea to ask your doctor if you should stop taking them before donating blood. Some medications for diabetes and high blood pressure can increase DHEAS levels. Also, supplements such as fish oil and vitamin E can decrease DHEAS levels. Nicotine can also increase DHEAS levels, so you should avoid smoking before the test.

How long does it take to get the test report?

It can take a few days for the lab results to arrive and be received by your doctor, so you'll need to be patient.

What are the normal values ​​for DHEAS?

Blood tests measure DHEAS in different units, and normal ranges for DHEAS levels vary by age and gender.

The important thing is that the methods used by each laboratory can vary, so there can be slight differences in the results. If you give the same blood sample to two labs, the results can vary slightly. Therefore, when your doctor checks your DHEAS level, he will try to use the same lab every time. He will also take into account the normal range for that lab.

If the report says DHEAS levels are high, what does that mean?

If your DHEAS levels are high, you may need to have some more tests. This could indicate that you have a condition such as:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
• Adrenal tumors, whether cancerous or noncancerous, such as adrenocortical carcinoma.
• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.
• Ovarian Cancer.

Don't worry, just because your DHEAS level is high doesn't mean you have this disease. The doctor will do further testing.

If the report says DHEAS levels are low, what does that mean?

Similarly, even if DHEAS levels are low, further testing is needed. This can indicate problems such as:

• Addison's disease.
• Conditions such as pituitary adenomas and hypopituitarism.

So, is it a good idea to take DHEA supplements from the store?

Most of the time, no. Some people claim that DHEA supplements are good for slowing down aging, building muscle mass, and improving physical performance. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this. On the other hand, these supplements can cause serious side effects and can interact with medications you are already taking.

Even the World Anti-Doping Agency has banned DHEA supplements for competitive and collegiate athletes. So, before you take any supplements, you should definitely talk to your doctor.

Finally, the most important things to remember

If your doctor suspects that you have too much or too little DHEAS, he or she may order a DHEAS test. DHEAS is essential for the production of androgens and estrogens in the body. If a woman has too much DHEAS, she or he may develop conditions such as PCOS or facial hair. In boys, high DHEAS levels can cause them to go through puberty early. DHEAS levels can also affect your sex drive and reproductive health.

So, if you have any of these symptoms, or if you have any questions about this, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. He or she will give you the advice and treatment you need.

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