Androstenediones & bull; hello healthy

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Definition

What are androstenedionees?

Androstenedione is used to evaluate the performance of your adrenal glands, ovaries or testes as well as check the adequacy of male hormone production. This test is also used to determine the cause of excess male hormones in women. Androstenedione (AD, DHEA, and este of sulfuric, DHEAS), which is produced in the sex and adrenal glands, is a pre-substance of testosterone and estrone. While the pre-substance cortisol is 11-deoxycortisol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone, and pregnenolone.

Children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) have gene mutations that can inhibit enzymes in the synthesis of cortisol, testosterone, aldosterone and esterone. This has a major effect on decreasing cortisol and aldosterone production. Low cortisol levels stimulate the pituitary gland to produce ACTH and stimulate the adrenal cortex so that androgen levels increase. In most cases, CAH is autosome recessive. Symptoms of CAH include masculinization in female patients due to an excess of androgens, gradual loss of secondary salt due to a lack of cortisol and aldosterone, or high blood pressure due to elevated mineralocorticoid. In addition, CAH also shows mild symptoms such as premature puberty, acne, excessive hair growth, irregular menstrual cycles and infertility.

Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (Stein-Levanthal) have high levels of androstenedione. Meanwhile, patients with adrenal gland cancer have high amounts of DHEAS.

When should I have androstenedione?

This test can be done together with other hormone tests especially when the doctor detects an excess (or even a deficiency) in the amount of androgens in the patient's body. Usually the doctor will also check the function of the adrenal glands, ovaries, or testes. This test can be applied to babies with ambiguous genitalia, or to baby girls who have masculinity characteristics. The suspected cause is CAH or disease caused by excess androgen levels.

This test can also be done for boys who experience symptoms of early / delayed puberty, enlargement of penis and muscle size, and pubic hair development at an early age.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before having androstenedione?

Some drugs such as clomiphene, levonorgestrel, corticotrophin, and metyrapone can increase the concentration of androstenedione, while corticosteroid drugs such as dexamethasone may have the opposite effect.

If you are undergoing the radioimmunoassay method, radiation imaging taken in the previous week may affect the test results.

Process

What should I do before getting androstenedione?

Especially for women, the most effective time for blood tests is one week before menstruation. It is recommended that you wear short-sleeved clothing to make the process of taking a blood sample from your hand easier.

How is androstenedione?

The medical personnel in charge of drawing your blood will take the following steps:

• wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop blood flow. This makes the blood vessel under the bundle enlarge making it easier to insert the needle into the vessel
• clean the area to be injected with alcohol
• inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be required.
• Insert the tube into the syringe to fill it with blood
• untie the knot from your arm when enough blood is drawn
• sticking gauze or cotton on the injection site, after the injection is complete
• apply pressure to the area and then put a bandage on

What should I do after having androstenedione?

Some people may experience pain when the needle is inserted into the skin. But for most people, the pain will fade away when the needle is right in the vein. Generally, the level of pain experienced depends on the nurse's expertise, the condition of the blood vessels, and the person's sensitivity to pain.
After going through the blood draw process, wrap your hands with a bandage. Press the vein lightly to stop the bleeding. After doing the test, you can carry out your activities as usual.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

Normal:

	Man	Women
AD	0.6 - 2.7 ng / mL	0.5 - 2.7 ng / mL
DHEA	1.0 - 9.5 ng / mL	0.4 - 3.7 ng / mL
DHEA S	280 - 640 mcg / dL	65 - 280 mcg / dL

Abnormal:

Index rose:

• adrenal gland tumor
• congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Ectopic tumors release
• Cushing's syndrome (in some cases)
• stein - Leventhal syndrome
• arantius ligament tumor

Index down:

• damage to the sex glands
• primary or secondary adrenal gland disorders

If the adrenal test is normal, it means that your adrenal glands are working well. This is supported by normal levels of androstenedione and androgens. However, the concentration of androstenedione may increase (even remain normal) if there is an adrenal tumor or cancer. This depends on the amount of hormone released.

The increase in androstenedione levels is directly proportional to the production of the adrenals, testes, or ovaries. This can cause tumors in the adrenal area, cancer, or congenital adrenal hyperplasia. If this test has not provided a specific diagnosis, the doctor will order further tests.

Low levels of androstenedione can be caused by adrenal dysfunction, adrenal damage, or damage to the testicles and ovaries.

The normal range for androstenedione test may vary depending on the laboratory you choose. Discuss with your doctor if you have any questions about your test results.