Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is produced by the adrenals and gonads. As a result, the determination of the level of DHEA-S in serum is important in the evaluation of the functional state of these glands. DHEAS is a precursor of testosterone and estrone. Besides the adrenals in females, the ovaries have been shown to be an important source of DHEAS. It has been reported that there is a fluctuation day by day of DHEAS in women during the ovulatory cycle. An abnormal testosterone level in women should be accompanied by the estimation of serum DHEAS. The use of serum testosterone determination in conjunction with Elisa of DHEAS can be used to determine if the source of excess androgen production is ovarian or adrenal.
- References to Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEAS)