What is the Androstenedione (A4) Test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post, and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is the androstenedione test?
This test measures the level of androstenedione in the blood.
Also Read: TSH test
What is androstenedione?
It is an androgenic hormone. It is a male sex hormone that is present in both men and women. This hormone is secreted by the testes in men and from the adrenal gland and ovaries in women. The LH hormone stimulates the secretion of androstenedione by testicles and ovaries. ACTH (Adrenocorticotrophic hormone) stimulates the secretion of androstenedione by the adrenal glands.
What is the function of androstenedione (A4)?
It plays an important role in the development of secondary sexual characteristics in men like deep voice and growth of facial hair. It helps in the formation of oestrogen and testosterone. Androstenedione doesn’t have a major function on its own.
What is the average range of the androstenedione (A4) test?
Male (adult): 2.1 – 10.8 nmol/L
Female (adult): 1.0 – 11.5 nmol/L
Why is the androstenedione (A4) test done?
Androstenedione is used to diagnose the various condition:
- To diagnose hyperandrogenism.
- To diagnose congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
- To monitor CAH treatment.
- To diagnose premature adrenarche.
- Investigate the cause of precocious puberty.
- Assess adrenal gland functioning.
- Detect adrenal cancers or tumours.
- Determine the cause of precocious puberty in boys.
- Assess the functioning of ovaries in women.
- Assess the functioning of testicles.
This test is also done if you have the symptoms such as excess facial or body hair (hirsutism), amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), acne, and infertility in women
What does low androstenedione mean?
A low level of androstenedione may indicate adrenal insufficiency, testicle or ovarian failure and adrenal gland dysfunction
What does high androstenedione mean?
An elevated level of androstenedione may indicate certain conditions:
Increased adrenal, ovarian and testicular production.
- Adrenal tumour
- Adrenal cancer
- Adrenal hyperplasia, or congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
An increased level of androstenedione is not a specific diagnostic condition it indicates the need for further testing to rule out the cause.
Also Read: T3 Test
For more information, you can visit MedlinePlus.gov and Testing.com.
