DHEA-Sulfate Unit Converter
DHEA-Sulfate Unit Converter
Convert DHEA-sulfate between µg/dL, µg/mL and µmol/L, and see why it separates an adrenal from an ovarian source of androgen excess.
DHEA-Sulfate converter
Mass ⇄ molarDHEA-sulfate 320 µg/dL, woman aged 20–29
Formula and conversion factor
µg/dL = µmol/L ÷ 0.02714
- 0.02714
- derived from the molecular weight of DHEA-sulfate, 368.49 Da
- µg/mL
- µg/dL × 0.01
- age dependence
- levels fall steeply from a peak in the twenties, so an age-matched range is essential
Worked example
DHEA-sulfate 320 µg/dL, woman aged 20–29
320 × 0.02714 = 8.68 µmol/L
= 3.20 µg/mL
Adrenal versus ovarian source in hirsutism
| Finding | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| DHEA-S markedly raised, testosterone modestly raised | Adrenal source more likely |
| Testosterone markedly raised, DHEA-S normal | Ovarian source more likely |
| DHEA-S mildly raised | Common in PCOS and non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia |
| DHEA-S above ≈ 700 µg/dL | Warrants imaging for an adrenal tumour |
Why DHEA-sulfate, and why age matters
DHEA-sulfate is almost entirely adrenal in origin, has a long half-life and shows no diurnal rhythm. That combination makes it a stable marker of adrenal androgen production — unlike testosterone, which fluctuates through the day and with the menstrual cycle, DHEA-S can be measured on any sample at any time and still be interpretable.
In hirsutism and virilisation this stability is what makes it useful for separating an adrenal from an ovarian source of androgen excess. A markedly raised DHEA-S points towards the adrenal gland, while a disproportionately raised testosterone with a normal DHEA-S points towards the ovary. A value above roughly 700 µg/dL warrants imaging for an adrenal tumour, since that magnitude of elevation is unusual for a benign cause. Mild elevations are far commoner and are usually explained by polycystic ovary syndrome or non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia, neither of which needs imaging as an initial step.
The other essential context is age. DHEA-S falls steeply from a peak in the twenties through the following decades in both sexes, so a value cannot be judged against a single adult reference range — a level that is entirely normal for a 25-year-old is high for a 70-year-old, and interpreting it without the age-matched range risks both over- and under-diagnosis. It is also suppressed by exogenous glucocorticoids, which reduce ACTH-driven adrenal androgen output.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert DHEA-sulfate to µmol/L?
Multiply the µg/dL value by 0.02714. A DHEA-sulfate of 320 µg/dL is 8.68 µmol/L. Divide by 0.02714 to go the other way.
Why is DHEA-sulfate useful when testosterone is already raised?
It is almost entirely adrenal in origin, so it separates an adrenal from an ovarian source of androgen excess in hirsutism — a distinction testosterone alone cannot make.
What DHEA-sulfate level suggests an adrenal tumour?
Conventionally above about 700 µg/dL. Lower elevations are far more often explained by polycystic ovary syndrome or non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Why does age matter so much when interpreting DHEA-sulfate?
It falls steeply from a peak in the twenties through later decades, so a value must be compared against an age-matched range. A level normal for a young adult can be markedly high for an older one.
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References
- Rothman MS, Wierman ME. How should postmenopausal androgen excess be evaluated? Clin Endocrinol. 2011;75(2):160–4.
- Legro RS et al. Diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013;98(12):4565–92.