Androstenedione (A4) is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands and gonads (ovaries/testes).

It serves as a precursor for testosterone and estrone (estrogen).

Clinical uses include:

Diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Detecting adrenal tumors or congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

Evaluating androgen excess in women (hirsutism, virilization).

Assessing delayed or precocious puberty.

The test is performed using a blood sample, typically in the morning when hormone levels peak.

Analyte: Serum androstenedione hormone.

Normal Range: ~0.6 – 3.1 ng/mL (varies by lab, age, and sex).

Abnormal Findings:

Elevated A4: Suggests PCOS, adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal/ovarian tumors, or androgen-secreting neoplasms.

Low A4: May indicate adrenal insufficiency or gonadal dysfunction.

Clinical Use:

Provides insight into androgen metabolism.

Helps differentiate causes of hormonal imbalance.

Guides treatment and monitoring of endocrine disorders.