Androstenedione

An androstenedione test is a blood test that measures the level of androstenedione hormone in the body. Here are a few reasons why getting an androstenedione test may be important:

Diagnosis of certain medical conditions: High levels of androstenedione may indicate the presence of medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). These conditions can cause hormonal imbalances that can lead to infertility, menstrual irregularities, and other health problems.

Monitoring of hormone therapy: Androstenedione levels may be monitored in individuals who are receiving hormone replacement therapy or other types of hormone therapy. Monitoring these levels can help ensure that the therapy is working effectively and that the individual is not experiencing any adverse side effects.

Evaluation of adrenal function: Androstenedione is produced by the adrenal glands, so an androstenedione test can be used to evaluate adrenal function. Abnormal levels of androstenedione may indicate problems with the adrenal glands, such as adrenal tumors or adrenal insufficiency.

Evaluation of androgen production: Androstenedione is a precursor to testosterone, which is an androgen hormone. High levels of androstenedione can indicate increased androgen production, which can cause symptoms such as acne, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and voice deepening in women.

Overall, an androstenedione test can be an important tool in diagnosing and monitoring certain medical conditions and evaluating adrenal and androgen function. I