Androstenedione blood test in Chiswick
This blood test measures androstenedione, a hormone made by the adrenal glands and ovaries or testes that the body converts into testosterone and oestrogen. It helps investigate signs of excess androgens such as unwanted hair growth, acne or irregular periods.
What the test measures
Androstenedione is an androgen, one of the group of hormones associated with male characteristics, though everyone makes it. It is produced by the adrenal glands and by the ovaries or testes, and acts mainly as a building block: tissues around the body turn it into testosterone or into oestrone, a form of oestrogen.
Because it sits upstream of testosterone, androstenedione can help show where excess androgens are coming from. Raised levels are seen in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia and, rarely, with hormone-producing growths of the adrenal glands or ovaries. It is usually measured with testosterone, DHEA-S and SHBG rather than alone.
The price includes the blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.
Who it is for
- You have excess facial or body hair, scalp hair thinning or persistent acne.
- Your periods are irregular or have stopped.
- Your testosterone has come back raised and you want to understand why.
- You are being assessed for PCOS or another hormone condition.
- You are a man with symptoms such as low libido and your practitioner wants a fuller androgen picture.
Understanding your result
Your report shows the laboratory reference range, which differs by sex and age. A raised level suggests increased androgen production, often from the ovaries in PCOS or from the adrenal glands, and the pattern with other hormones helps tell these apart. A very high level, particularly with rapidly developing symptoms such as a deepening voice, needs prompt assessment by your GP. A low level is less often significant but may be seen with reduced adrenal or ovarian function.
A result outside the range is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis. Your practitioner will read it alongside your symptoms and suggest whether specialist input would help.
Preparing for your test
Book a morning appointment, as androgen levels are highest early in the day. If you have periods, the early follicular phase, on day 2 to 5 of your cycle, is usually preferred. Hormonal contraception, steroid medicines and testosterone treatment can affect the result, so please tell us what you take. No fasting is needed.
Our testosterone tests and the cortisol and DHEA-S tests help build a full androgen and adrenal picture. You can also view every blood test and price in Chiswick.
Questions
How much is an androstenedione test in Chiswick?
The Androstenedione test costs £159 at our Chiswick clinic. This includes the blood sample, accredited laboratory analysis, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.
Why test androstenedione as well as testosterone?
Testosterone can be within range even when androgen production is increased. Androstenedione adds detail and can help point towards the source.
Can PCOS be diagnosed from this test?
No. PCOS is diagnosed from a combination of symptoms, blood tests and sometimes an ultrasound scan. Androstenedione can support the picture.
Does weight affect androstenedione?
Carrying extra weight can influence androgen and insulin levels, particularly in PCOS, and some people see changes in their hormones after weight loss.
