DHEA-S (adrenal hormone) test

What this test is

DHEA-S is a hormone made mostly by your adrenal glands. This blood test is truly useful in some cases. For example, it helps when a woman has new facial or body hair, acne, or irregular periods. These can point to high male-type hormones. Or a doctor is checking for a rare adrenal growth. In these cases, DHEA-S helps find the cause. It is less useful as a plain check for low energy. Levels vary a lot between healthy people. A low number does not reliably explain tiredness. It also does not mean you need DHEA pills. Saliva and urine versions exist but are less standard.