Androstenedione Blood Test

Androstenedione is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands and the gonads (ovaries and testes). It sits at a crossroads in hormone production, acting as a precursor that the body converts into testosterone and oestrogens. Measuring androstenedione helps clinicians investigate conditions where androgen levels are abnormal, and it can offer valuable clues about whether the adrenal glands or the gonads are driving the imbalance.

This test is for anyone experiencing symptoms that may point to excess androgen production, such as acne, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), deepening of the voice, irregular or absent periods, or unexplained virilisation. It is also used when polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is suspected, when investigating adrenal or gonadal tumours, and as part of the work-up for ambiguous genitalia or delayed puberty. Because androstenedione is produced by both the adrenal glands and the gonads, it is often requested alongside other hormones to build a fuller picture.

Adrenal and Gonadal Hormones
- Androstenedione: a steroid hormone made by the adrenal cortex and the gonads. Elevated levels can indicate PCOS, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or an adrenal or gonadal tumour. Low levels may reflect adrenal insufficiency or gonadal failure. Results are interpreted alongside clinical findings and other hormone tests.

Why it matters
Androstenedione gives clinicians a direct view of a key hormonal junction. Because it is produced by two different organ systems, measuring it can help distinguish an adrenal cause from a gonadal one, guiding the choice of further investigations and treatment. For patients, it can explain symptoms that are distressing and often misunderstood, and it provides a clear starting point for effective management.