Androstenedione Test

The androstenedione test is a blood test that measures the level of androstenedione: a steroid hormone that acts as a building block for the body's sex hormones, testosterone and oestrogen. Androstenedione is one of the androgens (often called male hormones), but it is produced in both men and women, mainly by the adrenal glands and the gonads (ovaries in women and testes in men). It has weak androgenic activity of its own and is an important step in the production of stronger hormones.

Because the adrenal glands are a major source of androstenedione, this test is a useful way to assess adrenal and gonadal function. Doctors use it to help detect and diagnose conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and tumours of the adrenal glands or ovaries. It also helps investigate the cause of male physical characteristics appearing in women (virilisation) or signs of early (precocious) puberty in children.

A doctor may order an androstenedione test when there are signs of a hormone imbalance for example, excess facial or body hair, irregular periods, acne, or infertility in women, or early or abnormal sexual development in children. Abnormal levels can point to an adrenal or ovarian problem and usually prompt further evaluation by a specialist.

Your doctor may recommend this test to evaluate the function of the adrenal glands, ovaries, or testes when there are signs of a hormone imbalance.

Symptoms in Women That May Prompt the Test

• Irregular or absent menstrual periods.
• Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism) and male-pattern baldness.
• Persistent acne and a deepening voice.
• Difficulty conceiving (infertility).

Symptoms in Men and Children That May Prompt the Test

• In boys: early (precocious) or, in some cases, delayed puberty.
• Enlargement of the external genitalia, increased muscularity, or excess pubic hair at a young age.
• In female infants: ambiguous genitalia, prompting evaluation of adrenal hormone disorders.

The test is also used to monitor treatment in conditions such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), where it helps guide glucocorticoid replacement therapy.

How often the test is repeated depends on your result and whether you are being treated for a hormone disorder.

Abnormal androstenedione levels can point to several conditions affecting the adrenal glands or gonads:

Several factors can affect the cost - lab certifications (NABL and ISO), the testing method, your city and location, and whether you book home sample collection or order it within a hormone panel. Check the PharmEasy app or website for the latest rate in your area.

This test needs little preparation, but follow your doctor's instructions, particularly about timing within the menstrual cycle for women.

What to Expect Before the Test

• No special preparation is usually required. If the test is combined with others, your doctor may advise specific dietary instructions.
• Women may be asked to give the sample on a particular day of their menstrual cycle for accurate interpretation.
• Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take, including any hormone therapy or steroids.
• Always consult your doctor before the test for personalised guidance.

What to Expect During the Blood Collection

A phlebotomist cleans the skin with an antiseptic, then places an elastic band around your upper arm to make the veins easier to access. A small needle is inserted into the vein; you may feel a brief pinch. Blood is collected into a labelled tube in under a minute.

What to Expect After the Test

A small cotton swab and bandage are placed over the site to stop any minor bleeding. There may be slight soreness at the needle site or mild light-headedness. If you feel dizzy, sit and rest for a few minutes.

The androstenedione test measures a single parameter: the level of the androstenedione hormone in your blood, reported in ng/dL (or nmol/L). It reflects the combined output of the adrenal glands and gonads.

• Androstenedione: an androgen steroid hormone and a precursor of testosterone and oestrogen. Abnormal levels help detect adrenal or ovarian dysfunction and the cause of virilisation or early puberty.

To build a fuller picture, your doctor may order it alongside related tests such as testosterone, DHEAS, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, LH, and FSH.

Results are interpreted with your age, sex, and symptoms. The general patterns are summarised below.

Where androstenedione is abnormal, treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause and is decided by a specialist. For androgen excess, doctors may consider anti-androgen medicines (such as spironolactone) or oral contraceptives in women: always under medical supervision.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and provides a risk assessment only. It does not confirm a diagnosis. Always consult your doctor to understand how your result relates to your overall health.

The test is a routine blood draw that is generally very safe, with only minor procedural risks and a few limitations.

Potential Risks and Complications

Most people feel only a brief pinch. Consult your doctor if you notice:

• Persistent bleeding at the puncture site that does not stop with gentle pressure.
• Redness, swelling, or pain at the needle insertion site.
• Light-headedness that continues after the blood draw - sit and rest before leaving.

Understanding Androstenedione Test Limitations

• Levels vary with age, time of day, and the menstrual cycle, so timing affects interpretation.
• A single hormone value rarely gives the full answer; it is read alongside other hormone tests.
• Certain medicines and supplements can influence the result.
• Reference ranges differ between labs, so results may not be directly comparable.

If your androstenedione level is abnormal, your doctor may order additional tests to find the cause.