Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate in the diagnosis of osteoporosis

Several data suggest that adrenal androgens have an important role in the pathogenesis of postmenopausal osteoporosis. To study the possible relationship between bone density and serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) we investigated 105 women (45-69 years). Serum DHEAS level was significantly lower in the osteoporotic group than in the normal one. The serum level of DHEAS decreased significantly with age in both groups. We established a significant positive correlation between DHEAS and bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and femoral neck, and bone mineral content of radius midshaft as well. Since there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding oestrogens, we suggest that DHEAS may have a non-oestrogenic effect on bone. We conclude that serum DHEAS may have a useful indicator of low bone mineral density in peri-and postmenopausal women.