Synonyms:

• DHEA
• Unconjugated DHEA

The DHEA blood test is used to evaluate adrenal carcinomas that frequently secrete large amounts of DHEA.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid which is produced by both the adrenal cortex and testis. The levels of this steroid increase before the onset of puberty (adrenarche), and decrease significantly with age. DHEA and DHEA-S are the major precursors of 17-ketosteroids.