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Androstenedione is a glucocorticoid hormone that belongs to the group of sex hormones. It has a great influence on the proper sexual development of both women and men. Its increase or decrease may indicate many diseases and ailments, e.g. polycystic ovary syndrome, and even cancer.
Androstenedione – characteristics
Androstenedione is a steroid hormone that is produced in the adrenal cortex and gonads, i.e. the sex glands (ovaries in women, testes in men). Androstenedione is the most important precursor of androgen hormones, as well as estrogens – estrone and testosterone. The amount of androstenedione in the human body (in plasma) gradually increases – starting from the age of 7, and begins to decline around the age of 30.
The difference in androstenedione levels is also shown daily. The highest amount of androstenedione occurs in the morning and the lowest at night. In women, the amount of androstenedione may even double during menstruation. It is related to the Graaf’s follicle, which produces androstenedione. In pregnant women, it may increase under the influence of exercise.
The constant pathological increase in androstenedione may be disturbing, which may be a symptom of virilization (increased levels of male sex hormones (androgens) in women, which is characterized by a group of symptoms, e.g., low voice tone, acne and enlargement of the clitoris) or hirsutism (excessive hair growth).
Excess of androstenedione It can also be a symptom of: polycystic ovary disease, adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing’s syndrome, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, adrenal cancer, obesity, stress, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- thyroid gland if
The reasons lowering the concentration of androstenedione have:
- fungal infections,
- viral (e.g. HIV),
- bacterial (e.g. tuberculosis),
- bilateral removal of the adrenal glands,
- congenital adrenal hypoplasia,
- autoimmune diseases,
- hypopituitarism,
- Hypothyroidism.
Androstenedione – research
In order to check the amount of androstenedione in the body, a blood test should be performed. It is recommended to perform the test in the morning on an empty stomach. Before blood donation is performed, no physical exertion should be undertaken. Testing the level of androstenedione in women should be performed during the monthly cycle – between the 2nd and 5th day of the cycle, or according to the individual doctor’s recommendations.
Performing tests determining the level of androstenedione in the body can be used to:
- assessment of the function of the adrenal glands, testes or ovaries,
- evaluation of the production of hormones responsible for male physical characteristics and the development of male sexual organs (androgens),
- assessment of the function of the adrenal glands,
- auxiliary in the diagnosis of tumors of the adrenal gland, ovaries and testes,
- when diagnosing congenital adrenal hyperplasia,
- at the time of diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),
- exclusion of the causes of infertility,
- diagnosing the causes of amenorrhea,
- recognizing the cause of excessive hair and the presence of male physical characteristics in women,
- diagnosing the causes of delayed puberty,
- suspected testicular or ovarian failure.