What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your DHEA-S levels mean for your energy, stress resilience, and hormonal health. These notes include personalized recommendations like lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, supplement suggestions, or whether you should consider further hormone evaluation. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your DHEA-S levels over time using our trends feature to see how your interventions are working.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is ideal for people experiencing chronic fatigue, low energy that doesn't improve with rest, difficulty managing stress, or unexplained changes in mood or weight. It's also helpful for women with irregular periods or symptoms of hormonal imbalance, individuals with suspected adrenal insufficiency, and anyone wanting to assess their stress hormone levels. If you feel persistently run down or suspect your adrenal glands aren't functioning optimally, this test provides valuable insights.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with sleep, feeling physically exhausted even with minimal activity, difficulty recovering from stress, unexplained weight gain or loss, and reduced motivation or mental fog. You might also experience changes in libido, irregular menstrual cycles, feeling overwhelmed by normal stressors, or a general sense that your body isn't bouncing back like it used to. These symptoms may indicate your adrenal glands aren't producing adequate DHEA-S.

How can I naturally support my DHEA-S levels?

Managing chronic stress is crucial—practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or regular relaxation breaks throughout your day. Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night, as sleep deprivation suppresses DHEA production. Include moderate exercise regularly, but avoid overtraining which can stress your adrenal glands. Eating a balanced diet rich in healthy fats, adequate protein, and plenty of colorful vegetables supports hormone production and adrenal health.

What is DHEA-S and why does it matter?

DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is a hormone produced primarily by your adrenal glands that serves as a precursor to sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen. It plays a vital role in energy production, immune function, mood regulation, and stress resilience. DHEA-S levels naturally decline with age, and abnormal levels can indicate adrenal dysfunction, chronic stress, or hormonal imbalances that affect your overall vitality and well-being.

What does low DHEA-S mean?

Low DHEA-S may indicate adrenal insufficiency, chronic stress that has depleted your adrenal reserves, or simply natural age-related decline. It can manifest as persistent fatigue, reduced stress tolerance, low libido, difficulty building muscle, weakened immune function, and mood changes. Low levels may also suggest your body isn't producing adequate building blocks for other important hormones, which can affect energy, mood, and overall vitality.

What does high DHEA-S mean?

Elevated DHEA-S levels may indicate overactive adrenal glands, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women, or adrenal tumors in rare cases. High levels can cause symptoms like acne, excess facial or body hair growth in women, oily skin, irregular periods, mood changes, and sometimes difficulty managing weight. In some cases, high DHEA-S may also be associated with insulin resistance or hormonal imbalances that affect fertility and metabolism.