Androstenedione is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, testicles and ovaries that is transformed by the body into other hormones such as testosterone and estrone.
Measuring androstenedione in the blood is normally indicated when excessive production of male sex hormones is suspected, due to symptoms such as infertility, acne or the development of masculine characteristics in women.
If abnormalities in androstenedione levels are suspected, it is recommended to consult an endocrinologist, who is the best doctor to evaluate hormonal changes in the body, identify their cause and initiate appropriate treatment.
What is it for
The androstenedione test is mainly indicated to assist in the diagnosis of hyperandrogenism, which is when there is excessive production of male sex hormones, but it can also be used to monitor the treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
In addition to androstenedione, it is common for the doctor to also indicate the dosage of other hormones in the blood, such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone, to more completely assess the production of male sex hormones.
Make an appointment with an endocrinologist closest to you to assess the need for an androstenedione test:
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How the exam is carried out
The androstenedione test is carried out by analyzing a blood sample collected in the laboratory. Although it does not require specific preparation, it is important to inform your doctor about the medications and supplements you use, as they can sometimes affect the result.
Reference values
In adults, normal blood androstenedione values vary from 30 to 180 ng/dL in men and 25 to 220 ng/dL in women. In children and babies, these values are very different and vary according to age and pubertal stage.
What can be high androstenedione
High androstenedione can be caused by:
- Use of supplements with androstenedione;
- Polycystic ovary syndrome in women;
- Early puberty;
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia;
- Tumor in the testicle, ovary or adrenal gland.
When androstenedione is elevated in the blood, it can cause symptoms similar to those of high testosterone, such as greater muscle mass gain and infertility, and it is important to consult an endocrinologist for evaluation. Find out more symptoms of high testosterone.
Bibliography
- HINDMARSH, Peter C; GEERTSMA, Kathy. Chapter 25 – Other Hormones and Their Roles; In: Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia – A Comprehensive Guide. Academic Press, 2017. 309-325.
- HELDEN, Joseph V; WEISKIRKHEN, Ralf. Cross-method comparison of serum androstenedione measurement with respect to the validation of a new fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay. Clin Biochem. Vol.62. 32-38, 2018STATPEARLS. Precocious Puberty. 2023. Available at: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544313/>. Accessed on Aug 8, 2023BADAWY, Marwa T. et al. Androstenedione (a Natural Steroid and a Drug Supplement): A Comprehensive Review of Its Consumption, Metabolism, Health Effects, and Toxicity with Sex Differences. Molecules. Vol.26, n.20. 6210, 2021MAYO CLINIC LABORATORIES. Androstenedione, Serum. Available at: <https://endocrinology.testcatalog.org/show/ANST>. Accessed on Aug 8, 2023STATPEARLS. Physiology, Adrenal Gland. 2023. Available at: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537260/>. Accessed on Aug 8, 2023HALL, John E. et al. Guyton & Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology. 13.ed. São Paulo – SP: Elsevier Editora Ltda, 2017.MICHIGAN MEDICINE LABORATORIES. Androstenedione, Serum. Available at: <https://mlabs.umich.edu/tests/androstenedione-serum>. Accessed on Aug 8, 2023DOUGGUI, Radhouene. Immunoanalytical profile of androstenedione. Ann Biol Clin (Paris). Vol.74, n.4. 495-502, 2016
