Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate – that is the full name of DHEA. You will be tested for DHEAS concentrations if you are a woman with excess facial and body hair, acne or infertility; a male child who is undergoing very early puberty; or a female child who is showing signs of virilizartion. DHEAS and other related tests like testosterone and androgens are used to evaluate the adrenal function.

Doctors may order a DHEAS test if they want to check the functioning of the adrenal glands. Significant overproduction of DHEAS in a girl may result in the development of masculine characteristics such as facial hair, deeper voice, increased muscle mass and the absence of menstrual periods. Low levels of DHEAS may be present if the adrenal glands are damaged or diseased. The test may be used in conjunction with other tests to help diagnose damage or disease of the pituitary gland. It may also be used to rule out certain diseases of the testes and uterus.