androstenedione (a4) – serum Test

Androstenedione is a C-19 (19 carbon atoms) steroid hormone found in men as well as in premenopausal women. Androstenedione is a steroid sex hormone which originates in the gonads, with minor contribution from the adrenal glands (1.5-3 mg/day); in postmenopausal women, the adrenal gland constitutes the major source of this hormone. This test is used when steroid abuse is suspected and also when women are suspected of virilizing syndromes i.e. a condition where females develop male sexual characteristics due to of high testosterone levels in them.

24 to 36 Hours

The test helps diagnose the causes of a high testosterone (male sex harmone) in women, routine health screenings and suspected disease or toxicity.To see the progress of a medication or treatment plan.Suspected cases of virilizing syndromes in womenSuspected anabolic steroid abuseMay be used along with 17-OH progesterone to diagnose CAH Management of CAH.

Common diagnosis and symptoms that are associated with androstenedione are early puberty, virilizing syndrome in females and relapse of menstural cycle in post-menopausal women.

Preparatory instructions during specimen collection*:No Fasting Required.No other special preparations required.

Specimen type:Serum (Blood Sample) Specimen collection procedure:Venipuncture - Collection of blood from a vein, usually from the arm.