Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I have had endometriosis for the past eight years, and I have been on a progesterone birth control pill for the last four years, which has helped tremendously with pain control. I just recently had a transvaginal ultrasound that showed my ovaries and uterus looked fine, according to my gynecologist. However, the hormone blood work I received for DHEA-S was 792 mcg/dL, which is above the normal maximum of 349 mcg/dL. I am still waiting on the total testosterone levels. This DHEA-S level is just indicative of PCOS, or is this a cause for concern? I am just wondering what your expert opinion would be. Do you think that this DHEA-S level is just indicative of PCOS because I heard of other women having even higher levels than me?
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com
I can understand your concern.
Please understand that DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is a form of testosterone, and yes, its high levels, along with too much hair over the body parts, are suggestive of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). I heard that you have had endometriosis and you have been taking progesterone-only pills, but your ultrasound report shows everything to be normal. Though DHEA-S values are to be relied on more than the total testosterone levels. Sometimes, these hormones are affected by many factors, and a single high reading does not confirm any issue. Also, PCOS is more of a lifestyle disorder. If you adopt a healthy lifestyle, everything will follow gradually. Changes like a healthy diet and exercise will help you combat the symptoms, and if you follow them wisely, there is nothing to worry about.
I hope this helps you.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
I will repeat it in six weeks. Do you think taking apple pectin would aid in lowering DHEA-S levels? If DHEA-S levels lower by the time of the next blood work in six weeks, should I not be concerned about an adenoma on the adrenal gland or any type of tumor?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes, repeating will give a better idea. Yes, apple pectin has been studied to treat PCOS basically and also create an internal environment to create hormonal balance. Yes, and you are very right about the adenoma possibility, but there are other symptoms as well that need to be looked for, like vomiting, dehydration, low blood pressure, and low sugar. One single reading should not make us conclude.
I hope this helps you.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Daswani Deepti Puranlal
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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