Why do I need a DHEA sulfate test?
You may need this test if you have symptoms of high levels or low levels of DHEA sulfate (DHEAS). Men may not have any symptoms of high levels of DHEAS. Symptoms of high levels of DHEAS in women and girls may include:
Excess body and facial hair growth
Deepening of voice
Menstrual irregularities
Acne
Increased muscularity
Hair loss at the top of the head
Baby girls may also need testing if they have genitals that are not clearly male or female in appearance (ambiguous genitalia). Boys may need this test if they have signs of early puberty.
Symptoms of low levels of DHEAS may include the following signs of an adrenal gland disorder:
Unexplained weight loss
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness
Dehydration
Craving for salt
Other symptoms of low DHEAS are related to aging and may include:
Decreased sex drive
Erectile dysfunction in men
Thinning of vaginal tissues in women
