DHEA Blood Test

The DHEA Blood Test & It’s Use

The hormone DHEA is not as major a player as its cousin’s estrogen or testosterone, however it is important to a number of bodily functions. In the last several years it has been called a wonder drug and even the mother of all hormones because of its suspected fountain of youth effect. Dehydroepiandroterone has been credited with assisting in a youthful appearance, weight loss, cancer prevention, reduced risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s and even infectious diseases such as AIDS. With DHEA being used extensively in the general public it is important that blood tests be used to monitor the levels within the body. The DHEA blood testing yields information in reference to the steroid, glucose levels, glucose tolerance and prostate health. As with any other hormone or medicine it is crucial that blood tests be given to monitor the body’s functioning.

Who Needs DHEA Blood Tests

Anyone that is supplementing DHEA should have routine blood tests. Those that are on medications containing the steroid for lupus should also be monitored. The blood test is also recommended for individuals that have cognitive difficulty such as trouble thinking, women who exhibit male body characteristics or children that are maturing too quickly.

Levels & Ranges

Both men and women’s DHEA levels vary with age. Because DHEA can be influenced by medications or pregnancy it is important to keep that in mind when considering the ranges and levels. The normal level range is broken down by age and sex; here are a few sample ranges:

    Females                                     Males

20 – 29 years old                     65 to 380 ug/dl                        280 – 640 ug/dl

30 – 39 years old                     45 – 270                                  120 - 520

50 – 59 years old                     26 – 200                                  70 - 310

Over 69 years old                    17 – 90                                    28 - 175]]>