How to prepare
No fasting is required. Eat and drink normally beforehand.
Androstenedione is mildly affected by the menstrual cycle and peaks in the mid-cycle in women, but for most clinical purposes specific cycle timing is not required. Your practitioner may request this test on a specific day if conducting a full hormonal panel; otherwise, flexible timing applies.
Inform your practitioner of any adrenal or steroid medications, as these may affect results.
After the test
Share your results with your GP, gynaecologist, or endocrinologist. Elevated androstenedione rarely leads to a conclusion without interpretation alongside other androgen markers and the clinical picture. Your practitioner will determine whether further investigation is needed, which may include 17-hydroxyprogesterone for congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or imaging if an adrenal or ovarian source is suspected.
Your test results will be available in your private dashboard. If there are any urgent issues, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your health professional.
Understanding results
Results are reported in nanomoles per litre (nmol/L). Reference ranges vary by sex and age, and are slightly higher in women during the mid-follicular and mid-luteal phases. Your result report will include the applicable range.
Elevated androstenedione can reflect excess production from the adrenal glands, the ovaries, or both. It is elevated in many people with PCOS and in adrenal conditions including congenital adrenal hyperplasia (particularly the non-classical form) and adrenal or ovarian androgen-secreting tumours. Very high levels warrant further investigation.
Low androstenedione is less clinically significant but may be seen with adrenal insufficiency.
Your practitioner will interpret androstenedione alongside DHEAS, total testosterone, SHBG, and clinical findings.
