Androstenedione

Clinical Chemistry

---

Description

Androstenedione is a 19 carbon steroid produced by the adrenal glands, ovaries and testes. It is an immediate precursor to testosterone and oestrone but has weak androgenic activity due to the presence of a 17-oxo group in place of a hydroxy group. The production of androstenedione mimics the pattern of other androgen precursors. Foetal concentrations peak at birth, before falling rapidly throughout the first year of life to reach low pubertal values. Androstenedione rises gradually following the onset of adrenarche, accelerating during puberty and reaches adult levels by the age of 18. In pubertal and adult males, the major proportion of androstenedione is derived from the testes, whilst in adult women, equal proportions of androstenedione are produced by the adrenal gland and ovary. Ovarian androstenedione production is stimulated by luteinising hormone and serum levels vary with the menstrual cycle. Adrenal androstenedione production gradually declines with advanced age in both men and women. Ovarian androstenedione production decreases after the menopause. Elevated serum androstenedione concentrations are observed in virilising congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). They are also increased in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovarian stromal hyperthecosis, 3��-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency and other causes of hirsuitism in women. Pronounced elevations of androstenedione may be indicative of androgen-producing adrenal or gonadal tumours. The measurement of androstenedione levels may have advantages over 17��-hydroxyprogesterone levels in monitoring the treatment of CAH, as it has less marked diurnal variation and less suppression after brief glucocorticoid exposure.

---

Indications

Monitoring of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Investigation of suspected 17β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency.

---

Sample Type

Serum, SST/Gel. Minimum 1 mL (0.5 mL separated serum)

---

Reference Range

Reference ranges are provided on the report. Alternatively, please contact the laboratory for current ranges.

---

Turnaround Time

Within 2 weeks

---

Testing Frequency

Fortnightly

---

Patient Preparation

None

---

Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.