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Test for DHEA: Overview
Although not yet formally validated, DHEA testing can be performed on blood, saliva or urine samples. DHEA levels from these sources generally reflect a person's DHEA status. The most common blood test to evaluate this hormone is one that measures DHEAS (sulfate).
Instructions
When having your blood tested for DHEAS, it is recommended that blood should be drawn 3-4 hours after the last dose, if you are taking DHEA. When testing blood levels for DHEA, which has a shorter life than DHEAS in the blood stream, consider testing 2 hours after your last dose. Testing at least 12 hours since your last dose of DHEA should reflect unsupplemented levels.Test for DHEA can help with the following:
Autoimmune
Autoimmune Tendency
| Some doctors report finding that a high percentage of patients with autoimmune disorders are also deficient in DHEA, and should be tested. |
Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis)
| DHEA is almost always low in patients with autoimmune conditions such as SLE. |
Myasthenia Gravis
| DHEA is almost always low in patients with autoimmune conditions such as myasthenia gravis. |
Ulcerative Colitis
| DHEA can be a factor in autoimmune problems, which some consider ulcerative colitis to be. |
Hormones
Hyperthyroidism
| Some doctors report finding that a high percentage of patients with autoimmune disorders, such as Graves' disease, are also deficient in DHEA, and should be tested. |
Immunity
Tumors, Malignant
Breast Cancer
| Of 5,000 women followed in one study, 27 developed cancer. Most of the 27 had abnormally low levels of DHEA. |
KEY
May be useful:
may help with
Moderately useful:
often helps with
Last updated: Apr 25, 2013