DHEA and DHEA-SO4 are hormones that stimulate the production of testosterone and estrogen - important sex hormones. Their deficiency or excess may lead to premature puberty in boys and girls, and in women to the development of male characteristics. What are the reasons for this condition? What does increased or decreased level of DHEA and DHEA-SO4 mean?

DHEA , or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a steroid hormone made from cholesterol by the adrenal glands and, to a much smaller extent, by the ovaries and testes. In men, DHEA produces mainly estrogens - estradiol and estrone, while in women androgens, mainly testosterone. In turn, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, i.e. DHEA-SO4, is a hormone formed from DHEA.

DHEA production begins at 6-8 years of age and peaks at around 25-30 years of age, then begins to decline to reach pre-pubertal levels by the age of 70. This decline is further aggravated by old age diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, immune deficiencies, depression and diabetes.

DHEA and DHEA-SO4 - indications for the test

The indications for testing in girls are the symptoms of premature puberty, i.e. the symptoms of puberty (mainly enlargement of the mammary glands) that appear before the age of 8. In turn, in women, the indications for the test will include amenorrhea, infertility, symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome or the development of male features, such as:

  • hirsutism, i.e. excessive hair on the face or other parts of the body (especially in places typical for men);
  • male pattern baldness;
  • low voice;
  • persistent acne;
  • weight gain;

The indications for testing in boys are the symptoms of premature puberty, i.e. the symptoms of puberty that appear before the boy is 9 years old:

  • lower voice;
  • pubic hair;
  • increased muscle mass;
  • penis enlargement;

DHEA and DHEA-SO4 - what is the test?

The test consists in taking a blood sample. DHEA is the most active in the morning, therefore it is recommended to collect blood during this time, but the patient does not need to be fasting. DHEA-SO4shows a constant daily concentration in the blood.

The DHEA test is performed in conjunction with the assessment of the concentration of other hormones such as FSH (gonadotropin), LH (luteinizing hormone), prolactin, estrogens, and testosterone.

Important

DHEA and DHEA-SO4 - standards

  • DHEA - 7 to 31 nmol / l (200-900 ng / dl);
  • DHEA-SO4 - from 2 to 12 µmol / l (75-470 µg / dl) - these norms slightly differ depending on gender;

DHEA and DHEA-SO4 - excess

Increased DHEAandDHEA-SO4may be evidence of:

  • adrenal cortex tumors;
  • adrenal cancer;

In the rare event of a non-hormone secreting adrenal cortex or adrenal cancer, the concentration of DHEA and DHEA-SO4 may be normal.

  • hyperplasia (adrenal hyperplasia);
  • polycystic ovary syndrome (in some cases the test results may be normal);
  • about ACTH stimulation, i.e. adrenocorticotropic hormone;

DHEA and DHEA-SO4 - deficiency

Decreased DHEA and DHEA-SO4may indicate:

  • abnormal adrenal function, e.g. Addison's disease (primary adrenal insufficiency);
  • hypopituitarism;
  • hypothyroidism;
  • autoimmune diseases;

The decrease in DHEA and DHEA-SO4 in the body is also influenced by long-lasting stress. A slight decrease in DHEA-SO4 may be caused by pregnancy and oral contraception.

Category:

Pregnant examinations