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).
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.
Some doctors report finding that a high percentage of patients with autoimmune disorders are also deficient in DHEA, and should be tested.
DHEA is almost always low in patients with autoimmune conditions such as SLE.
DHEA is almost always low in patients with autoimmune conditions such as myasthenia gravis.
DHEA can be a factor in autoimmune problems, which some consider ulcerative colitis to be.
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.
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