Androgen Profile Test

Androgen Profile test measures the testosterone, SHBG, DHT, Free Androgen Index, androstenedione levels in the blood.

The test is done:

• To evaluate androgen excess or deficiency related to gonadal function, adrenal function, or tumor activity.
• Helpful in children to investigate delayed or precocious puberty and with ambiguous genitalia.
• Helps in monitoring testosterone replacement therapy and antiandrogen therapy.

People with the following symptoms:

• Delayed development of secondary sexual characteristics
• Gonadal dysfunctions in males and females.
• Females with PCOs like symptoms, infertility
• Erectile dysfunctions, testicular tumours.

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

No special precautions.

Androstenedione

It is increased in polycystic ovarian disease, hirsutism, virilization, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal and ovarian tumours and Cushings disease, pregnancy and exercise.

It is decreased in Addison's disease.

Testosterone Test

In males high levels are seen in testicular tumors, and adrenal tumor.

Low levels are seen in Testicular failure or inadequate stimulation by pituitary gonadotropins, Infertility, Erectile Dysfunction, Delayed puberty, Early puberty and cancer treatment.

In females high testosterone levels are seen in Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), Adrenal tumor, Congenital Adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and idiopathic hirsutism.

Low levels are seen in Primary & secondary hypogonadism, Testicular feminization.

SHBG Test

High values of SHBG are found in hyperthyroidism, hypogonadism, androgen insensitivity and hepatic cirrhosis in men.

Low concentrations are found in myxoedema, hyperprolactinaemia and syndromes of excessive androgen activity.

DHT- Dihydrotestosterone Serum (DHT)

High levels of DHT may occur due to idiopathic hirsutism, PCOS and prostate cancers.

Low levels may occur due in Klinefelter's syndrome, patient with germinal cell aplasia and azoospermia, and anorchia.

Free Androgen Index (FAI)

A high free androgen index value indicates that there is too much biologically active testosterone in the blood. This may indicate hormonal imbalance. 

Low-free androgen index indicates testosterone deficiency. Results should be further evaluated in consultation with the treating clinician.

Bioavailable Testosterone Test

If the results are elevated or low it suggests hormonal imbalance. Results should be correlated with the clinical findings as well.

• Testosterone test
• SHBG test
• DHT test
• Androgen test
• Bioavailable testosterone test
• Free Androgen Index Test [FAI]

This is a major adrenal androgen also produced by the testes and ovaries.

Testosterone is the principal androgen in men and found in small amounts in women as well. Testosterone aids in the development of secondary sexual characteristics like enlargement of the genitals, body hair growth, development of muscle and deepening of the voice

SHBG is an important transport protein for estrogens and androgens in peripheral blood. SHBG concentration in plasma is regulated by androgen/estrogen balance, thyroid hormones, insulin and dietary factors.

FAI is ratio of testosterone to SHBG which helps in identifying excessive androgen activity & useful in the evaluation of mild disorders of androgen metabolism.

DHT is a steroid similar to testosterone and androstenedione, which belong to a class called androgens. It is a potent Androgen derived from testosterone. In males it is responsible for the male sexual characteristics, in females it is converted to estradiol which is responsible for the development of the reproductive organs.

Testosterone bioavailable test is useful to assess the overall effect of testosterone hormones especially in patients with known abnormalities or on hormone therapy.