Androstenedione

Overview:

Androstenedione is a precursor hormone, meaning the body uses it as raw material to make testosterone and estrogen. It is produced by the adrenal glands and by the ovaries or testes. Because it sits upstream of the more familiar sex hormones, measuring it can help work out where an excess is being produced when someone has signs of high androgen levels, such as irregular periods, acne or unwanted hair growth in women. It is also used in assessing congenital adrenal hyperplasia and in following treatment for it. Levels vary with the menstrual cycle and through the day, so timing affects interpretation.

Categories:

Hormone

Biomarkers:

1 biomarker