DHEA-S

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), is a natural
steroid hormone found atop of the kidneys in the human
body. DHEA-S derived from enzymatic conversion of
DHEA in adrenal and extradrenal tissues. DHEA-S is
also produced in the gonads, adipose tissue and the
brain. It is the most abundant hormone in the human
body and it is precursor of all sex steroids.
As most DHEA-S is produced by the zona reticularis of
the adrenal, it is argued that there is a role in the
immune and stress response. DHEA-S may have more
biologic roles. Its production in the brain suggests that is
also has a role as a neurosteroid. Measurement of serum DHEA-S is a useful marker of
adrenal androgen synthesis. Abnormally low levels may
occur in have been reported in hypoadrenalism, while
elevated levels occur in several conditions, e.g. virilizing
adrenal adenoma and carcinoma, 21-hydroxylase and
3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiencies and in
some cases of female hirsutism. Women with polycystic
ovary syndrome tend to have normal or mildly elevated
levels of DHEAS. As very little DHEA-S is produced by
the gonads, measurement of DHEA-S levels may aid in
the localization of androgen source in virilizing
conditions.
DHEA-S levels show no diurnal variation.