What does the Androstenedione test measure?

Why is Androstenedione measured?

Androstenedione is measured to investigate androgen excess in women (hirsutism, virilisation, and polycystic ovary syndrome), to evaluate suspected adrenal or gonadal tumours, and to assess congenital adrenal hyperplasia and premature or delayed adrenarche in children. In women elevated androstenedione may originate from the ovary (PCOS, androgen-secreting tumour) or the adrenal (non-classic CAH, Cushing syndrome, adrenal tumour), and correlation with DHEA-S, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and stimulation testing helps localise the source. In men isolated androstenedione elevations are uncommon but may accompany adrenal enzyme defects or androgen-secreting tumours.

Reference ranges

Standard reference

Adult males approximately 40–150 ng/dL; adult females 30–200 ng/dL (follicular), higher values during ovulation; prepubertal children <50 ng/dL. Values are sex-, age-, and assay-dependent.

Functional medicine optimal

Optimal ranges are context-dependent: in children persistently elevated values prompt CAH or tumour evaluation; in reproductive-age women mild elevations overlap with PCOS and must be interpreted with clinical hyperandrogenism and other androgens; in men values within the adult male reference interval are rarely clinically significant unless an adrenal source is suspected.

Units

ng/dL, nmol/L

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.