DHEA-S
DHEA-S is a hormone from the adrenal glands that the body uses as a building block for sex hormones.
DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate) is a hormone made mainly by the adrenal glands. The body uses it as a building block for both male and female sex hormones. The level is highest in young adulthood and falls gradually with age.
Age and sex have the biggest effect. Long periods of stress, poor sleep and very hard training can affect the level, and DHEA supplements raise it.
Foods that help
Zinc from shellfish, pumpkin seeds and meat, vitamin C from oranges and peppers, and healthy fats from avocado, nuts and olive oil.
Foods to limit
A lot of sugar, alcohol, caffeine and highly processed food.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
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