Androstenedione
Biochemistry Overview / Directory
Purpose of the test
Androstenedione is a major precursor in the biosynthesis of androgens and oestrogens. Peripheral enzymatic conversion of androstenedione produces the most important biologically active androgen, testosterone.
In males, androgens are secreted primarily by the Leydig cells of the testes, and to some degree also in the adrenal cortex.
In females, the predominant androgens are androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone and are secreted from both the adrenal glands and ovaries.
High concentrations of androstenedione are generally found in hirsutism and other virilizing conditions such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia. An increase is often observed in combination with other androgens such as testosterone and DHEA-S. High circulating androstenedione concentrations are found in women with polycystic ovaries and 21-hydroxylase effect whilst significantly lower androstenedione concentrations are found in postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Androstenedione exhibits considerable diurnal variability with the highest concentrations measured in the morning. There is also cyclical variation during the menstrual cycle where androstenedione concentrations are highest near the midcycle. Concentrations rise sharply during puberty and abruptly decline following menopause. In addition, high androstenedione concentrations are also found during pregnancy.
Reference Range
Adult males 2.4-12.6 nmol/L;
Adult females 1.0-12.2 nmol/L
Sample Requirements
Serum from a plain vacutainer (100µL)
Storage and Transport
Stable at 2 - 8°C for up to 24 hours. Send by overnight first class post.
Turnaround Time
2 weeks
Price
Price available on application - please contact adrian.turner@kch.nhs.uk. Discounts could be available for significant workloads.
Contacts
Dr Roy Sherwood
T 020 3299 3726
Ms Rachel Langworthy
T 020 3299 4130
