Androstenedione

Androstenedione is a hormone from which the body produces testosterone and oestrogens. The test is most often performed in women with excess hair growth, acne or irregular cycles, because it helps identify excess male sex hormones and their source. It is most informative when considered together with testosterone and DHEA-S.

Who the test is for

• women with excess hair growth on the face, chest or abdomen (hirsutism), with acne or hair loss;
• women with irregular or absent periods and suspected polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS);
• when signs of excess male hormones develop suddenly, within a few months, or are very pronounced;
• children with early pubic or underarm hair and other signs of precocious puberty, as assessed by a paediatrician;
• people with an inherited adrenal gland disorder (congenital adrenal hyperplasia), to monitor treatment.

What the test reveals

Androstenedione is produced in the adrenal glands and gonads, the ovaries and testes. Its own action is weak, but in tissues it is converted to testosterone and oestrogens. In women, approximately half comes from the ovaries and half from the adrenal glands. Alongside DHEA-S, which is produced almost entirely by the adrenal glands, and testosterone, it helps a doctor assess the source of excess male hormones.

Androstenedione levels change during the day and are highest in the morning; in women they also change during the menstrual cycle. The timing of blood collection is therefore important.

Panels including this test

Test Androstenedione is also included in this panel.

Excess hair growth paneltotal and free testosterone, DHEAS, androstenedione, cortisol, FSH and 4164.00€Details ›

The procedure and preparation

The sample is blood from a vein, and the draw takes a few minutes. Blood is drawn in the morning, between 7 and 10, and if testosterone, glucose or blood lipids are also measured from the same sample, come fasting. Menstruating women provide blood in the early days of their cycle, between days 2. and 5., unless a doctor recommends otherwise. Tell your doctor if you take hormonal contraception, corticosteroids or hormone-containing dietary supplements, because they change the result.

What your result means

• Elevated androstenedione in women most often accompanies polycystic ovary syndrome, usually mildly. It can also be elevated in congenital adrenal hyperplasia, when 17-hydroxyprogesteroneis also measured, and in Cushing’s disease.
• Very high androstenedione, particularly with sudden hair growth, deepening of the voice or other signs of excess male hormones, requires prompt investigation, because it can rarely indicate a hormone-producing ovarian or adrenal tumour.
• Low androstenedione is rarely important on its own. It is expected in older age and after menopause, and may also be found with reduced adrenal or ovarian function.

The reference interval depends on age, sex and the method and is printed on the report. Your doctor interprets the result alongside symptoms, examination and other hormones.

How to arrange testing

You can have blood taken without an appointment or referral at one of our branches across Croatia (listed under Contact). Prices for all tests and panels are available in the price list. Androstenedione is part of the Excess hair growth panel, which also includes total and free testosterone, DHEA-S, cortisol, FSH, LH, oestradiol and progesterone from the same blood draw.

Frequently asked questions

Is androstenedione the same as testosterone?

No. Androstenedione is a weaker hormone from which the body produces testosterone and oestrogens. These two hormones are therefore often measured together.

Does elevated androstenedione mean I have PCOS?

Not on its own. A doctor identifies polycystic ovary syndrome through irregular cycles, signs of excess male hormones and ovarian appearance on ultrasound, after other causes have been ruled out. The hormones most commonly measured are grouped in the PCOS panel.

Do androstenedione supplements help strength and muscles?

Research has not confirmed that they increase strength or muscle mass. They can increase oestrogens and lower HDL cholesterol, and androstenedione is on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list of substances prohibited in sport.

Why does the time of day I have blood drawn matter?

The level is highest in the morning and falls during the day, and in women it also changes during the cycle. A blood draw in the morning and early in the cycle allows comparison with reference values and previous results.