DHEA-S
The optimal range for DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate) is commonly cited as Upper quartile for age - typically 300+ mcg/dL in 30s, 250+ in 40s, tighter than the standard lab reference range of Highly age-dependent - 80–560 mcg/dL (men 30s); declines after. Adrenal androgen reserve - the precursor pool the body draws from for sex hormone synthesis. Declines steeply with age.
How DHEA-S ranges relate
The standard lab range vs the optimization-focused target. Illustrative trajectory shows what a 12-week improvement pattern looks like — not real user data.
What DHEA-S Measures
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.
What Affects This Biomarker
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.
In the Context of Peptide Protocols
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.
Peptides That Commonly Move DHEA-S
Conditions That Track DHEA-S
Frequently Asked Questions
What does DHEA-S measure?
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.
What is the optimal range for DHEA-S?
The optimal range for DHEA-S is commonly cited as Upper quartile for age - typically 300+ mcg/dL in 30s, 250+ in 40s. The standard lab reference range is Highly age-dependent - 80–560 mcg/dL (men 30s); declines after.
What affects DHEA-S levels?
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.
Where This Fits in Your Panel
DHEA-S is one marker on a fuller panel. The Peptide Blood Work Checklist lays out the complete baseline panel, what to add by protocol type, and when to retest.
See the full blood work checklist →Upload any lab PDF and MyProtocolStack maps your values to DHEA-S and 40+ other biomarkers. StackAI interprets the trend in context of your protocol.
Start tracking →Last reviewed: June 2026
Informational only - not medical advice. Reference ranges vary by lab and individual context. Work with a licensed provider to interpret your specific results.