DHEA‑S is a steroid hormone which is produced from the precursor cholesterol in the zona reticularis and broad fascia of the adrenal cortex. The determination of elevated DHEA‑S values is an important aid in the diagnosis of hirsutism and virilism.

In addition to a differential diagnosis of hirsutism and virilism further indications for this parameter are all forms of androgenisation, hyperprolactinemia, polycystic ovarian syndrome and the exclusion of an androgen producing tumour of the adrenal cortex.