50%

decline in DHEA-S levels between ages 25 and 50

Labrie et al., Steroids 2010

Good reasons to test

Unexplained fatigue, reduced vitality, or mood changes
Investigating androgen excess (acne, hirsutism, irregular periods)
Adrenal function or stress response assessment

DHEA-S

No fasting required. Morning preferred — adrenal hormone levels are typically higher in the morning Results arrive in 2-3 business days, explained in plain language in your dashboard. Most results sit within the usual range - that is still useful, and anything unexpected supports a conversation with your healthcare practitioner.

Targeted Testing

DHEA S

The adrenal hormone that declines with age — and what it may reveal

$65one-off, no subscription

NATA-accredited pathology
No GP referral needed
Results in 2-3 business days
Collect at 1,900+ centres

Why this test

DHEA-S is one of the most abundant hormones in the body — and one of the first to decline with age.

DHEA sulphate (DHEA-S) is produced primarily by the adrenal glands and serves as a precursor to both testosterone and oestrogen. Levels peak in the mid-twenties and decline steadily thereafter. Very low levels may be associated with adrenal insufficiency; very high levels may suggest adrenal tumour or congenital adrenal hyperplasia. This test is often used in the context of fatigue, androgen excess, or adrenal function assessment.

Understanding your results

Within reference range

Your DHEA-S is within the expected range for your demographic (see full report for age/sex-specific ranges)

Low-normal

Within range — interpretation is age and sex-dependent

Below reference range

May warrant investigation of adrenal function — discuss with your healthcare practitioner

Above reference range

Elevated DHEA-S may warrant further investigation — discuss with your healthcare practitioner

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and personal context. Your result is shown against the lab's range in your dashboard, alongside what it means.

How it works

TODAY

Order online

Pick a test or panel and check out. No GP referral, no waiting room.

THIS WEEK

One quick visit

Walk into one of 1,900+ NATA-accredited collection centres. A single blood draw is all it takes.

IN 2–5 DAYS

Clear results

We translate your results into plain language in your dashboard - what each marker means, and what is in range.

ONGOING

Track over time

Retest when it matters and watch your trends, so you can see what is actually changing.

Yes. You can order a DHEA S test online from Clarity Labs without a GP referral. It's $65, collected at any of 1,900+ NATA-accredited centres across Australia, with results in 2-3 business days via your secure online dashboard.

A DHEA S test is $65 at Clarity Labs — a one-off price with no subscription or membership. That covers your pathology request form and collection at any of 1,900+ NATA-accredited centres nationwide.

DHEA-S is your body's own production of DHEA in its sulphated (storage) form. DHEA supplements are available in some countries, but their use should be discussed with a healthcare practitioner — this test measures your natural levels, not supplement levels.

The adrenal glands naturally produce less DHEA-S over time, a process sometimes called adrenopause. This is a normal part of ageing, though the magnitude of decline varies between individuals.

No fasting is required. Morning testing is preferred as adrenal hormones are typically higher earlier in the day.

Once or twice a year if monitoring adrenal or hormonal function. Otherwise, a baseline with a repeat if symptoms change — DHEA-S declines naturally with age, so comparing results over time is meaningful.

NATA-accredited pathologyCollected through Sonic Healthcare1,900+ collection centresNo GP referral needed

Complete your health picture

Tests and panels that pair well with this one.

SHBG

Sex hormone binding globulin measurement for hormone transport and bioavailability assessment.

$65

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Oestradiol

Oestradiol measurement for reproductive hormone assessment and cycle context.

$65

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Progesterone

Progesterone measurement for reproductive hormone assessment and ovulation confirmation.

$65

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Luteinising hormone measurement for reproductive hormone assessment.

$65

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This information is for general education and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results are best interpreted with a qualified healthcare practitioner in the context of your symptoms and history.