What is an Androstenedione Level test?
The Androstenedione test measures the amount of androstenedione in your blood.
Androstenedione is a steroid hormone produced mainly by the adrenal glands and the ovaries or testes. It is an important precursor that the body can convert into testosterone and estrogen.
Measuring androstenedione can help evaluate whether the body is producing an unusually high or low amount of androgen hormones.
What is the Androstenedione test used for?
The test may be used to:
Evaluate suspected excess androgen production.
Investigate signs of androgen excess in females, such as excessive facial or body hair, acne, or irregular menstrual periods.
Investigate early or abnormal puberty in children.
Help evaluate suspected disorders of the adrenal glands or ovaries/testes.
Support the evaluation of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).
Help investigate androgen-producing adrenal or ovarian tumors when clinically suspected.
Monitor certain patients with known hormone-producing disorders.
Why do I need an Androstenedione test?
Your doctor may request this test if you have symptoms or laboratory findings suggesting abnormal androgen production.
In females, testing may be considered for:
Excessive facial or body hair (hirsutism)
Severe or persistent acne
Irregular or absent menstrual periods
Signs of virilization, such as deepening of the voice or increased muscle mass
Difficulty becoming pregnant
Suspected polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or another hormonal disorder
In children, the test may be requested when there are signs of early puberty or abnormal sexual development.
In males, it may be used as part of an evaluation of abnormal puberty or suspected adrenal or testicular hormone disorders.
What happens during the test?
A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle.
The blood sample is sent to the laboratory for measurement of androstenedione, usually using a validated immunoassay or other laboratory method.
Will I need to do anything to prepare?
Usually, no fasting is required.
However, the timing of the blood sample can be important because androstenedione levels may vary according to:
Age
Sex
Time of day
Menstrual cycle phase
Pregnancy
Hormonal medications
Other medical conditions
For females who are menstruating, your doctor may recommend collecting the sample during a specific phase of the menstrual cycle, depending on the reason for testing.
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding the appropriate timing of the test.
Are there any risks?
The test involves a routine blood sample. You may experience mild discomfort, bruising, or slight bleeding at the needle site.
Serious complications are uncommon.
What do the results mean?
Androstenedione results should be interpreted according to the laboratory's age- and sex-specific reference range and the patient's clinical situation.
High Androstenedione Level
An elevated androstenedione level may be associated with increased androgen production from the adrenal glands, ovaries, or testes.
Possible causes include:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
Adrenal or ovarian disorders
Certain androgen-producing tumors
Other conditions causing increased androgen production
An elevated result does not by itself identify the underlying cause.
Your doctor may request additional tests such as testosterone, DHEA-S, 17-OH progesterone, cortisol, ACTH, or other hormonal investigations.
Normal Androstenedione Level
A normal result generally indicates that androstenedione production is within the expected range for the patient's age and sex at the time of testing.
However, a normal result does not completely exclude an androgen-related disorder. Results should be interpreted together with symptoms and other hormone tests.
Low Androstenedione Level
A low androstenedione level may occur with reduced adrenal or gonadal hormone production or certain endocrine disorders.
The clinical significance depends on the patient's symptoms and the results of other hormone tests.
Important note about the results
Androstenedione is an androgen precursor, not the same hormone as testosterone. It can be produced by both the adrenal glands and the gonads, so an abnormal result does not by itself identify where the hormone excess originates.
Interpretation should consider age, sex, menstrual cycle phase, pregnancy status, medications, symptoms, and other hormone results.
Depending on the clinical situation, androstenedione may be evaluated together with testosterone, DHEA-S, 17-OH progesterone, LH, FSH, and other endocrine tests.
Reference ranges and reporting units vary between laboratories and analytical methods.
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