Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate form (DHEAS) are key precursors for sex steroids, with elevated levels indicating increased adrenal androgen production. Mild elevations are usually idiopathic, but 5-fold or higher increases can suggest an androgen-secreting adrenal tumor. Pronounced elevations are common in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to enzyme deficiencies, particularly in children.