The biological activity of androstenedione is between DHEA (a weak male hormone) and testosterone (a very active male hormone). It also has prohormone properties, exhibiting the androgenic and estrogenic properties of testosterone.

The ovaries of women during ovulation all secrete androstenedione, and the secretion of androstenedione in postmenopausal women is less, and the concentration of androstenedione in adult men is slightly lower than that of women of the same age. The secretion of androstenedione in normal women is 10 times that of testosterone. It is primarily used to diagnose lyase deficiency.

What does Androstenedione do to the body?

Androstenedione is used to increase production of the hormone testosterone to enhance athletic performance, build muscle, reduce body fat, increase energy, maintain healthy red blood cells, and improve libido and performance.

The clinical significance of Androstenedione

1. Pathological reduction 

Lytic chain enzyme deficiency, very low levels of deoxyepiandrosterone, testosterone, androstenedione, and estradiol, androgen deficiency, pseudohermaphroditism in males, sexual retardation in males, hypogonadism in females; primary amenorrhea in females , Sexual hypoplasia. Decreased plasma androstenedione levels in women with lichenification of the vulva, virilizing tumors of the adrenal gland or ovary, and sickle cell anemia. 

2. Pathological enlargement 

Elevated serum androstenedione concentrations can be seen in neonates and children with virilization, and in adult females with late-onset avirilization, such as female hirsutism, female virilization disorder, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The hyperplasia of theca cells in polycystic ovary syndrome can be slightly increased or normal. 

3. Reduce non-pathological factors 

Androstenedione can be lowered by taking birth control pills and steroids. 

4. Physiological increase 

Androstenedione levels increase during pregnancy.