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Androstenedione in the blood
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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DHEA is the major androgen (or rather, its precursor) produced by the adrenal glands. Most DHEA is rapidly modified by the addition of sulfate, with approximately half of the DHEA being sulfated (formed DHEAS) in the adrenal glands and the remainder in the liver. DHEAS is biologically inactive, but removal of the sulfate group restores activity. DHEA is effectively a prohormone, since this weak androgen is converted by lyase and isomerase to the more active androstenedione. A small amount of androstenedione is formed in the adrenal glands by the action of lyase on 17-GPG. The reduction of androstenedione leads to the formation of testosterone. However, only a small amount of testosterone is synthesized in the body in this way.
Androstenedione is the main precursor in the biosynthesis of androgens (testosterone) and estrogens (estrone). It is synthesized in the adrenal glands and sex glands.
Reference values for serum androstenedione concentrations
Androstenedione |
||
Age |
Ng/dl |
Nmol/l |
Blood from the umbilical cord |
30-150 |
1.0-5.2 |
Newborns, 1-7 days |
20-290 |
0.7-10.1 |
Children: |
||
1- 12 months |
6-68 |
0.2-2.4 |
1-10 years |
8-50 |
0.3-1.7 |
10-17 years |
8-240 |
0.3-8.4 |
Adults: |
||
Men |
75-205 |
2.6-7.2 |
Women |
85-275 |
3.0-9.6 |
Determination of the concentration of androstenedione (in combination with DHEAS) is used for diagnosis and evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment of hyperandrogenic conditions.
Increased androstenedione concentration in the blood is most typical for patients with congenital adrenal cortex hyperplasia, Itsenko-Cushing syndrome, ectopic ACTH secretion, testicular stromal hyperplasia or ovarian tumor. Increased androstenedione concentration in the blood is possible in some patients with polycystic ovary disease and hirsutism.
In clinical practice, determination of androstenedione concentration in blood serum is widely used to monitor the effectiveness of glucocorticosteroid treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (a more accurate indicator than the study of other androgens and 17-GPG).
A decrease in the concentration of androstenedione in the blood is found in patients with sickle cell anemia, adrenal and ovarian insufficiency.
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