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Androstenedione

Fertility profile Biomarker

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Collection Type: Blood

Body System

Related System: Fertility profile

Overview

Androstenedione is an androgenic steroid produced mainly by the adrenal glands and the gonads (ovaries in females, testes in males). It is a biochemical precursor to testosterone and estrone (an estrogen). The blood test measures circulating androstenedione to assess androgen production and balance. Elevated levels can point to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), adrenal or ovarian tumors, or certain forms of virilization; low levels may reflect adrenal insufficiency or hypogonadism. Testing is commonly prompted by signs of androgen excess (irregular periods, hirsutism, acne, voice changes, male-pattern hair loss) or by infertility evaluation. Normal values vary by sex, age, pubertal stage and menopausal status.

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Why Do I Need This Test

Which profile: included in a fertility/endocrine profile to evaluate androgen status and causes of infertility or menstrual irregularity.
Symptoms indicating a test: hirsutism, severe acne, irregular or absent menses, virilization, unexplained infertility.
Conditions diagnosed/monitored: PCOS, non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH), adrenal or ovarian tumors, adrenal insufficiency, hypogonadism.
Reasons for abnormal levels: increased adrenal or ovarian androgen production (PCOS, CAH), androgen-secreting tumors, medication effects, or decreased production from gland failure.
Biological meaning: high levels imply excess androgen precursor availability leading to higher testosterone/estrogen conversion and virilizing effects; low levels suggest impaired steroidogenesis.
Behaviors/lifestyle that affect levels: anabolic steroid use, certain supplements, extreme weight loss or obesity, severe stress/illness.
Family history: relatives with early-onset virilization, known CAH, or endocrine tumors increases the need for testing.

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Understanding Test Results

Values within the ranges above are considered typical for the stated sex/age groups.
In reproductive-age women, androstenedione consistently above ~3.5 ng/mL (≈12 nmol/L) is abnormal; mild-to-moderate elevations (about 3.5–10 ng/mL) are commonly seen with PCOS or non-classic CAH.
Markedly elevated values (often >10 ng/mL) raise concern for an androgen-secreting tumor of the adrenal gland or ovary or untreated classic CAH and warrant urgent endocrine/imaging evaluation.
Low androstenedione (below the lower limits above, e.g., <0.3 ng/mL in reproductive-age women or <0.8 ng/mL in men) may reflect adrenal insufficiency, hypogonadism, or effects of exogenous steroids/suppression.
Borderline results require correlation with testosterone, DHEA-S, 17‑hydroxyprogesterone, clinical signs, menstrual history and imaging as indicated.

Normal Range

Female (reproductive age): 0.3–3.5 ng/mL OR 1.0–12.1 nmol/L; Female (postmenopausal): 0.1–2.0 ng/mL OR 0.35–6.9 nmol/L; Male (adult): 0.8–3.2 ng/mL OR 2.8–11.1 nmol/L

FAQs

Q: What is the role of androstenedione?

A: Androstenedione is an adrenal and gonadal steroid precursor that’s converted into testosterone and estrogens. It helps drive pubertal sexual development, formation of secondary sexual characteristics, and supports muscle and bone maintenance and libido. Produced mainly by the adrenal glands and ovaries/testes, levels change with age and certain disorders; supplemental use can disrupt hormone balance and is banned in sport.

Q: What if androstenedione is high?

A: If androstenedione is high, it suggests excess androgen production from the ovaries or adrenals (causes include PCOS, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, androgen‑secreting tumors, or exogenous steroids). Symptoms include hirsutism, acne, irregular periods, infertility and possible virilization. Evaluation measures other androgens, 17‑OH progesterone, ACTH stimulation and imaging of ovaries/adrenals. Treatment targets the cause hormonal contraception, anti‑androgens, medical suppression or surgery.

Q: What is androstenedione in PCOS?

A: Androstenedione is an androgenic steroid produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands that serves as a precursor to testosterone and estrogen. In PCOS it’s often elevated, contributing to hirsutism, acne, menstrual irregularities and infertility. Measuring it helps confirm androgen excess and suggest ovarian or adrenal origin. Treatments (weight loss, insulin-sensitizing measures, hormonal contraception or anti-androgens) reduce levels and symptoms.

Q: Is androstenedione the same as DHEA?

A: Androstenedione and DHEA are related but not identical. Both are steroid hormone precursors: DHEA (produced mainly by the adrenal glands) is an earlier, more abundant precursor that can convert into androstenedione, which is a closer precursor to testosterone and estrogens. They differ chemically, in potency, metabolic pathways and clinical effects; both may raise downstream sex hormones if supplemented.

Q: What is the main function of androsterone?

A: Androsterone is a weak androgen and neurosteroid produced as a metabolite of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Its main function is to provide low-level androgenic activity—supporting development and maintenance of male secondary sexual characteristics—and to modulate brain function, where it influences mood, stress responses and neuronal excitability as a neuroactive steroid. It binds weakly to androgen receptors and acts centrally at low concentrations.

Q: Does androstenedione increase estrogen?

A: Androstenedione can raise estrogen levels because it’s a steroid precursor that’s converted into testosterone and aromatized into estrone and estradiol. Supplementing androstenedione may increase circulating estrogens, especially with higher doses or greater aromatase activity (for example, more body fat), potentially causing gynecomastia, water retention, and hormonal suppression. Effects vary by dose, sex, and individual metabolism.