.Androstenedione – A4 Sample Type: Serum

Androstenedione – A4 (Serum Test)
Purpose:
Androstenedione is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes. It serves as a precursor to testosterone and estrogen. Measuring serum androstenedione helps assess hormonal imbalances, adrenal or gonadal disorders, and certain tumors.

Sample Type:
Serum (blood sample)

Why the Test is Done:
To investigate excess androgen production

Diagnose conditions like:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)

Adrenal or ovarian tumors

Hirsutism or virilization in females

Evaluate early puberty in children

Monitor treatment in hormone-related conditions

Normal Ranges:
Varies by age, sex, and lab

Example (adult females): 0.3–3.5 ng/mL

Elevated levels may indicate androgen excess or tumor activity

Key Notes:
Blood should be collected in the morning due to hormonal fluctuations

May be used alongside other hormone tests (testosterone, DHEAS, 17-OHP) for accurate diagnosis