Androstendione

Androstendione is a steroid hormone secreted primarily by the adrenal glands under the control of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Independently of ACTH, it is also secreted by the gonads – testes and ovaries.

Androstendione is an important precursor for the biosynthesis of a number of hormonesw- male sex hormones of the androgenw group (testosterone), as well as female sex hormones of the estrogenw group (estradiol and estrone).

With an increase in androstendione, there is an increased conversion to testosterone-an excess of androgenic hormones (hyperandrogenism) leads to the appearance of characteristic symptomsin women and their acquisition of male secondary sexual characteristics. In men, the condition is often asymptomatic, but there is a risk of gynecomastia (hypertrophy of the mammary glandss) due to the peripheral conversion of androgenss to female hormones.

Increased androstendione levels are found in hirsutism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing's syndrome, ectopic ACTH-producing tumors, ovarian hypertrophyw and others.

When should androstendione level testing be performed?

When there are characteristic clinical signs associated with elevated androgenw levels:

• hirsutism (increased hairw growth in women in areas characteristic of men – face, back, chest),
• virsutism (increased hairw growth, appearance of wtral sex scars in men);
• oligomenorrhea (menstrual problems);
• acne;
• hoarse, thick voice;

The purpose of the study

• Diagnosis and rs diagnosis of conditionsrelated to hyperandrogenism (along with checking levelsof other sex hormones);
• Diagnosis of androgenital syndrome, congenital enzymatic defects in adrenal hormonesynthesis (along with checking levels of 17-OH progesterone and cortisol);
• Diagnosis and monitoring of congenital adrenal hyperplasia;
• Diagnosis of hirsutism and virilism in women, as well as polycystic ovary syndrome;

Preparation before the test

The test should be performed in the morning on an empty stomach, as hormonelevels fluctuate throughout the day-the highest values reach around 07:00 in the morning and the lowest at 16:00.

In women, it is recommended to take the test one week before or after menstruation.