Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is an androgen, a male sex hormone that is present in the blood of both men and women. It has a role to play in developing male secondary sexual characteristics at puberty, and it can be metabolized by the body into more potent androgens, such as testosterone and androstenedione, or can be changed into the female hormone estrogen. DHEAS is produced by the adrenal cortex, the outer layer of the adrenal glands, with smaller amounts being produced by the woman's ovaries and man's testes. DHEAS secretion is controlled by the pituitary hormone adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and by other pituitary factors.

Since DHEAS is primarily produced by the adrenal glands, it is useful as a marker for adrenal function. Adrenal tumors, cancers, and hyperplasia can lead to the overproduction of DHEAS. While elevated levels may not be noticed in adult men, they can lead to amenorrhea and visible symptoms of virilization. These changes vary in severity and may include: a deeper voice, hirsutism, male pattern baldness, muscularity, acne, enlargement of the Adam’s apple. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome tend to have elevated levels of DHEAS.

Excess levels of DHEAS in children can cause precocious puberty in boys; and ambiguous external genitalia, excess body hair, and abnormal menstrual periods in girls.