Adrenal androgen reserve — the precursor pool the body draws from for sex hormone synthesis. Declines steeply with age.
DHEA-S is the sulfated form of dehydroepiandrosterone, the most abundant circulating steroid hormone in humans. Made primarily by the adrenal cortex, it serves as a substrate for downstream sex hormone synthesis (testosterone, estradiol) in peripheral tissues.
DHEA-S declines roughly 80% from peak (age 25) to age 75. Higher DHEA-S in older adults associates with better cognitive function, bone density, and lower mortality in observational studies — though direct supplementation effects are mixed.
DHEA-S is influenced by: age (the dominant factor — steady decline from age 25), adrenal health, chronic illness (acute illness lowers it), chronic inflammation, smoking (lowers), insulin resistance (varies), and pharmacologic agents — corticosteroids suppress DHEA-S; metformin doesn't shift much; oral DHEA supplementation raises serum DHEA-S substantially.
Often included in longevity panels. Some optimization protocols use DHEA supplementation 25–50 mg daily to restore age-appropriate levels — track baseline + 8 weeks. Useful alongside cortisol AM (the cortisol/DHEA-S ratio is sometimes called "stress balance"). Epithalon protocols may modestly raise DHEA-S over cycles.
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Start tracking →Informational only — not medical advice. Reference ranges vary by lab and individual context. Work with a licensed provider to interpret your specific results.