Androstenedione | Laboratory research

Androstenedione An important precursor to the biosynthesis of androgenic and estrogenic hormones. The hormone is secreted mainly by the adrenal glands (production is controlled partly by ACTH) and also by the testes and ovaries (independent of ACTH). Characterized by daily changes in concentration, the maximum number is recorded at 7-10 am and the minimum at 16.00 pm.

Elevated concentrations of adrenal androgen hormones are caused by excessive production of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione, which is converted to testosterone in peripheral tissues, causing virilization symptoms.

Elevated levels of androstenedione in women cause symptoms of hyperandrogenism; In men, it usually occurs asymptomatically, sometimes leading to gynecomastia due to peripheral conversion of androgens to estrogen.

Clinical manifestations of androgen excess are: Hirsutism (excessive hair development in women of the male type), oligomenorrhea, acne and other signs of virilization (male body shape, muscle development, hoarseness, alopecia, clitoromegaly).

An excess of androgen hormones may be associated with variable secretion of other adrenal hormones and, consequently, both "pure" and "mixed" virilization syndrome may be associated with increased glucocorticoid secretion and Cushing's syndrome.

Androstenedione increases in cases of hirsutism, Stein-Leventhal syndrome, congenital hyperplasia of the adrenal gland (adrenogenital syndrome), Cushing's syndrome, ectopic ACTH-producing tumors, hyperplasia of the kidneys, adrenal carcinoma of the kidney. About 60% of cases of hirsutism in women are characterized by an increase in androstenedione levels.

When should we take the test on Androstenedione?

• Diagnosis and differential diagnostics of conditions associated with hyperandrogenism (along with testing of other sex hormones);
• Diagnosis of androgenetic syndrome in congenital defects in the synthesis of adrenal hormones (in combination with the study of 17-OH progesterone and cortisol);
• Diagnosis and monitoring of congenital adrenal hyperplasia;
• Diagnosis of hirsutism, virilism, and polycystic ovary syndrome in women.

It is recommended to test androstenedione because of the clinical symptoms associated with elevated androgen levels:

• Hirsutism (hair growth in women in areas characteristic of men - face, back, chest);
• Virilism (excess hair growth, the appearance of sex marks characteristic of men in women);
• Oligomenorrhea, menstrual problems;
• Acne;
• Rough, low voice.

How to prepare for the test?

Hormone levels change during the day, the highest rate is at 07:00 in the morning and the lowest - at 16:00, so the test is recommended in the morning. Fasting.

In women, it is recommended to do the test one week before or after menstruation.

Research material

Venous blood

Possible interpretation of the results

When evaluating the results, you should keep in mind that an increase in androstenedione is observed after puberty, which reaches a maximum for 20 years. Hormone levels decrease in women after menopause.

Elevated levels of androstenedione indicate an overproduction of androgens of adrenal or gonadal origin.

Moderate gain may be the result of idiopathic, polycystic ovary syndrome in women, or the use of steroid supplements in both sexes.

Elevation above 5 ng / ml May be a sign of androgen-secreting adrenal tumors.

An increase in androstenedione above 5 ng / ml Observed in 90% of patients with benign adrenal tumors.

Androgen-secreting carcinoma can also cause an increase in androstenedione, but is more characterized by high levels of 17-OH progesterone and DHEA-S.

Elevated androstenedione levels cause symptoms of hyperandrogenism in women.

More than 60% of cases of hirsutism in women are accompanied by an increase in androstenedione levels.