Androstenedione Blood Test: Meaning, Levels, and Results

An androstenedione blood test measures a hormone precursor used to produce testosterone and estrogen. Normal ranges vary by sex and age, typically 70–205 ng/dL in men and 80–240 ng/dL in women. High androstenedione levels may indicate androgen excess conditions like PCOS or adrenal disorders. Low levels can suggest adrenal insufficiency or gonadal failure, affecting hormone balance.

Contents

→ Result interpretation
→ Check your value Androstenedione
→ What is Androstenedione
→ Reference ranges
→ Causes of abnormal values
→ Androstenedione in combination with other markers
→ Possible symptoms
→ When to see a doctor
→ What to do if abnormal
→ Frequently asked questions
→ Related markers

Result interpretation Androstenedione

What your result means based on common reference ranges

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Normal

Normal androstenedione levels indicate balanced hormone production and healthy adrenal and gonadal endocrine function.

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Mildly elevated

Mildly elevated androstenedione levels suggest androgen excess, often linked to PCOS or early-stage endocrine imbalance.

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Significantly elevated

Severely high androstenedione levels may indicate adrenal or gonadal tumors requiring urgent endocrine evaluation and imaging.

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Below normal

Low androstenedione levels may reflect adrenal insufficiency or hypopituitarism affecting steroid hormone synthesis and regulation.

🔬 Check your value Androstenedione

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Androstenedione, ng/dL

Sex

Age

What is Androstenedione?

Androstenedione is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands and gonads and serves as a precursor to testosterone and estrogen. Measuring its level in a blood test helps evaluate androgen production and hormonal balance. It is clinically relevant in conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and adrenal tumors. Abnormal androstenedione levels may reflect dysfunction in the adrenal or reproductive systems. This test is often used alongside testosterone, DHEAS, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone to identify the source of endocrine disorders and guide diagnosis.

Reference ranges

Group	Normal range	Unit
Men	70 – 205	ng/dL
Women	80 – 240	ng/dL
Children (Pre-puberty)	8 – 50	ng/dL
Postmenopausal Women	10 – 60	ng/dL

Causes of abnormal values

Causes of low Androstenedione

• Adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease): impaired adrenal steroid production
• Gonadal failure: reduced hormone synthesis in ovaries or testes
• Hypopituitarism: decreased stimulation of adrenal and gonadal hormone production
• Menopause: natural decline in ovarian hormone output

Causes of high Androstenedione

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): ovarian overproduction of androgens disrupting normal ovulation
• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH): enzyme deficiency increasing adrenal androgen synthesis
• Adrenal tumors: autonomous hormone secretion from adrenal tissue
• Ovarian or testicular tumors: direct production of steroid precursors
• Cushing's syndrome: excess cortisol production affecting adrenal hormone pathways
• Severe stress: adrenal stimulation increasing steroid hormone output

Androstenedione in combination with other markers

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High Androstenedione + High Testosterone Indicates androgen excess state such as PCOS, reflecting ovarian dysfunction and hormonal imbalance.

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High Androstenedione + High DHEAS Suggests adrenal origin of hormone excess, often linked to adrenal hyperactivity or tumors.

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Low Androstenedione + High FSH Indicates ovarian failure or menopause, with compensatory pituitary stimulation and reduced hormone production.

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High Androstenedione + High 17-Hydroxyprogesterone Points to congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to enzymatic defects in steroid synthesis pathways.

Possible symptoms

•Excessive hair growth (hirsutism)
•Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
•Persistent acne
•Early puberty signs in children
•Reduced libido

When to see a doctor

Consult a doctor if androstenedione levels exceed 400 ng/dL or fall significantly below normal ranges. Seek evaluation if symptoms like rapid hair growth, irregular periods, or early puberty appear. Persistent abnormal results or worsening trends require endocrine assessment.

What to do if abnormal

🧪 Review medications and supplements affecting hormone levels
🩺 Consult an endocrinologist for hormonal evaluation
🧾 Track menstrual cycle and symptoms consistently
🖥️ Perform imaging (ultrasound/CT) if levels are elevated
📊 Repeat blood test to confirm abnormal results

The information on this page is intended for general understanding of test results and does not replace medical consultation. Accurate interpretation requires considering other blood markers and individual factors.

Content is based on medical literature and used within the PulseBook analytical system.

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Frequently asked questions

What does high androstenedione mean?

High androstenedione levels usually indicate androgen excess. The most common cause is PCOS, but adrenal disorders or tumors may also contribute. This hormone reflects how much precursor is available for testosterone production, so elevated levels often signal hormonal imbalance that requires further testing.

What causes low androstenedione levels?

Low androstenedione is often caused by adrenal insufficiency, menopause, or pituitary dysfunction. These conditions reduce the body's ability to produce steroid hormones. Low levels may lead to reduced libido, fatigue, or broader endocrine disruption depending on severity.

Is androstenedione the same as testosterone?

No, androstenedione is a precursor hormone that the body converts into testosterone and estrogen. While related, it is not as biologically active. Measuring both helps identify whether hormone imbalance originates before or after conversion processes.

Can stress increase androstenedione levels?

Yes, physical or emotional stress stimulates adrenal activity, which can temporarily raise androstenedione levels. However, persistent elevation usually indicates an underlying endocrine disorder rather than temporary stress response.

Does high androstenedione cause weight gain?

High androstenedione is often associated with insulin resistance and PCOS, which can make weight management more difficult. It does not directly cause weight gain but contributes to metabolic changes affecting fat storage.

Do I need to fast before an androstenedione blood test?

Fasting is generally not required for an androstenedione blood test. However, testing is often done in the morning when hormone levels are more stable, improving accuracy and consistency of results.