# Are levels of DHEAS indicative of subjective health – results of the population-based longitudinal CARLA study

## TL;DR

This study explores how DHEAS levels relate to subjective health over time in a general population.

## Contribution

The study reveals that DHEAS is temporarily linked to subjective physical health but does not have a lasting effect.

## Key findings

- DHEAS shows a positive cross-sectional association with subjective physical health, stronger in women.
- Longitudinal analyses found no long-term effect of DHEAS on subjective health.
- The association is likely not causal.

## Abstract

Subjective and objective markers are important in describing healthy aging, yet little is known about their relationships. This study analysed the time-dependent association of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) with subjective health. At baseline, DHEAS was measured in participants aged 45–83 randomly selected from the general population. Subjective mental and physical health were assessed using the 12-item Short Form (SF-12) questionnaire at baseline and two follow-ups. In sex-specific linear regression models controlled for age, weight, tobacco consumption, Charlson Comorbidity Index, depression, and testosterone levels, the associations of DHEAS with the subscores of the SF-12 were analysed. DHEAS showed a positive cross-sectional association with subjective physical health, which was stronger in women and remained relevant after multivariable adjustment. However, longitudinal analyses revealed no long-term effect of DHEAS on subjective health. These findings suggest that the association between DHEAS and subjective physical health is temporary and that an underlying causality is unlikely.