Androstenedione

Androstenedione is one of the many sex hormones responsible for sexual differentiation in males and females. This hormone is accountable for developing secondary male characteristics, like deep voice and facial hair.

The hormone is also a precursor of other major androgens in the body, such as testosterone, or it converts into estrogen. An androstenedione test measures the amount of hormone present in the blood.

Because of the origin of the hormone, androstenedione is a valuable marker of the adrenal gland and its function. Furthermore, it indicates the level of androgen production and proper functioning of ovaries and testicles.

An ANST test is also performed when the result of other tests likes testosterone or 17-hydroxyprogesterone are abnormal. An increase in these hormones leads to children having ambiguous external genitalia. This condition is present in both male and female babies.

Some symptoms also include excess hair on the face, abnormal periods in girls, and early puberty in girls and boys.
Apollo 24|7 offers a dedicated androstenedione test to detect the level of hormones in the blood.

Sometimes a high level of androstenedione is present in the blood when there are adrenal tumours or ACTH-producing tumours. Additionally, the levels also increase when there is adrenal hyperplasia because it triggers an overproduction of androstenedione.

On the other hand, women suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) also show higher levels of androstenedione. Women show more noticeable symptoms than men. Hence, to detect the increase in the levels of hormones, it is important to go for the ANST test.

The doctors also suggest the androstenedione test when women suffer from amenorrhea or lack of regular monthly periods. If not taken care of properly, the rise in the level of androstenedione can also lead to permanent infertility.

Below are some of the side effects of an increase in the level of androstenedione: 

• Reduction in the sperm count
• Shrunken testicles
• Prolonged erections alongside pain
• Development of breasts in males
• Behavioural changes
• Heart dysfunction 
• Deepening of voice in women along with facial hair, acne, men-like baldness and coarsening of the skin 
• Abnormal periods
• Depression

In severe cases, a consistent increase in androstenedione levels can increase the chances of developing breast cancer, prostate cancer, or pancreatic cancer. In addition to this, the hormone is poisonous to the liver.

Since androstenedione is a steroid hormone, the ANST test is also prescribed to people when they are suspected of steroid abuse.

The androstenedione test is further advantageous when women undergo therapy for amenorrhea, hirsutism, and infertility. This test helps monitor the condition’s progress and curate the treatment for the person accordingly.

Based on the results of the androstenedione test, men and women are advised to skip or alter the dosage for ANST supplements.