DHEA-S (CLIA)

The DHEAS test is a blood test often prescribed for women who have high levels of the male hormone- testosterone. The test is also done when a woman is found to have a lower sexual drive and if puberty starts in a boy earlier than usual. DHEAS stands for Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate. The DHEAS test helps to measure the levels of DHEAS in the blood. DHEAS is a male sex hormone that is found in both males and females. In males, they help in the production of the male hormone testosterone and in females, it helps produce the female sex hormone estrogen. DHEAS also helps in the development of secondary sexual characteristics in males at puberty. DHEAS is also important in indicating the presence of adrenal tumours or enlargement of the adrenal gland. DHEAS is produced by the adrenal glands that are located above the kidney. It helps to control blood pressure and heart rate. Normally small amounts of DHEAS are detected in the testis of men and ovaries of women. However, if the DHEAS levels fluctuate from normal, it indicates improper functioning of the adrenal glands. Symptoms of abnormal DHEAS levels are various. High levels of DHEAS in females leads to the development of male-like characteristics such as deepening of voice, excess body and facial hair and irregular muscularity. Low levels of DHEAS can be indicated by various signs such as dehydration, dizziness and excessive weight loss. One of the most common effects of high DHEAS levels is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS in India is quite common. It is reported that one in five women suffer from PCOS in India. Studies have shown that 3.7 to 22.5 per cent of women in India suffer from PCOS. If PCOS is not controlled and treated on time, it can lead to severe health conditions.