Androstenedione

Test Description

Androstenedione is one of the primary androgens produced in the ovaries of women,

and, to a lesser degree, in the adrenal glands of both men and women. It is converted

to estrone by adipose tissue and the liver. Estrone is a form of estrogen that

is of relatively low potency, compared with estradiol. In premenopausal women,

estrone levels are relatively small in comparison to estradiol levels. However, in children

and postmenopausal women, estrone is a major estrogen source. If, for some

reason, androstenedione production is increased, a child may experience premature

sexual development. In postmenopausal woman, increased androstenedione production

may result in bleeding, endometriosis, ovarian stimulation, and polycystic

ovaries. Increased production in obesity may cause menstrual irregularities and, in

men, such signs of feminization as gynecomastia. Owing to the results seen with

androstenedione overproduction, this test is useful in the diagnosis of menstrual

irregularities, premature sexual development, and postmenopausal irregularities.

Normal Values

80–300 ng/dL (3.8–6.6 nmol/L SI units)

Possible Meanings of Abnormal Values

Increased                                                                                 Decreased

Adrenal tumor                                                                       Hypogonadism

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia                                            Menopause

Cushing’s syndrome

Ectopic ACTH-producing tumor

Hirsutism

Ovarian tumor

Stein-Leventhal disease

Testicular tumor

Contributing Factors to Abnormal Values

• Radioactive dyes received within 1 week of the test will alter test results.

• Elevated results may be reduced to normal levels through the use of glucocorticoid

therapy.

Interventions/Implications

   Pretest

• Explain to the patient the purpose of the test and the need for a blood sample to be drawn.

• Fasting is required before the test.

• The blood sample is to be drawn 1 week before or after the menstrual period.

• The sample should be drawn when androstenedione is at its peak, which is approximately

7 A.M.

Procedure

• A 7-mL blood sample is drawn in a red-top collection tube.

• Gloves are worn throughout the procedure.

Posttest 

• Apply pressure at venipuncture site. Apply dressing, periodically assessing for continued

  bleeding.

• Label the specimen and transport it to the laboratory.

• Report abnormal findings to the primary care provider

Clinical Alert      

Normal postmenopausal women have a 50% reduction in the serum androstenedione

concentration as a result of decreased adrenal production.