Androstenedione A4 Serum

The Androstenedione (A4) Serum test measures the level of androstenedione in the blood which is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal gland and the ovaries (in women) and testes (in men).

The Androstenedione A4 Serum test is done for several reasons, including:

1. To evaluate adrenal gland function: Androstenedione is produced by the adrenal glands. An abnormal result can indicate problems with the adrenal gland function.
2. To assess ovarian function: Androstenedione is also produced by the ovaries in women. An abnormal result can indicate problems with ovarian function.
3. To diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Women with PCOS often have elevated levels of androstenedione.
4. To evaluate and monitor treatment for PCOS: Treatment for PCOS often involves medication to lower androstenedione levels. The test is used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
5. To diagnose congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH): CAH is a group of genetic disorders that affect the adrenal glands and result in high levels of androstenedione.
6. To evaluate and monitor treatment for CAH: Treatment for CAH often involves medication to lower androstenedione levels. The test is used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
7. To evaluate the cause of hirsutism: Hirsutism is a condition where women develop excessive hair growth. High levels of androstenedione can cause hirsutism.
8. To diagnose and evaluate testicular tumors: Androstenedione is also produced by the testes in men. High levels of androstenedione can be a sign of testicular tumors.

Here are some reasons why someone might need an A4 serum test. A4 is a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen, so high or low levels of A4 in the blood can be a sign of an imbalance in these hormones. Symptoms of hormone imbalance may include

• irregular menstrual cycles
• infertility
• acne
• excess facial or body hair growth
• mood swings

High levels of androstenedione in females may be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an adrenal gland tumor, or an ovarian tumor. In males, high levels of androstenedione may be a sign of an adrenal gland tumor or testicular tumor. High levels of androstenedione in both males and females may also be associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic disorder that affects the adrenal glands.

Low levels of androstenedione may be a sign of adrenal insufficiency or hypopituitarism, which are conditions where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones.

The test involves drawing a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. A healthcare professional will clean the area with an antiseptic, wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to make the veins more visible, and insert a needle into a vein to collect the blood sample. You may feel a brief prick or stinging sensation when the needle is inserted, but the procedure is generally painless.

No special preparation is required for the test. However, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider before taking the test, as they may have specific instructions or recommendations based on your individual medical history and current health status.

If an Androstenedione (A4) Serum test is ordered, some additional laboratory tests that may be ordered along with it include:

1. Testosterone level: Testosterone levels are often measured alongside A4 levels as they are both involved in the production of androgens.
2. Estrogen level: A4 can be converted into estrogen in the body, so measuring estrogen levels can help determine if there is an imbalance in hormone production.
3. DHEAS: DHEAS levels are often measured alongside A4 levels as they are both produced by the same organs and can help determine if there is an issue with adrenal gland function.
4. LH and FSH: Measuring these hormones can help determine if there is an issue with the pituitary gland or if there is an imbalance in hormone production.
5. SHBG: Measuring SHBG levels can help determine if there is an issue with hormone transport or if there is an imbalance in hormone production.

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• Androstenedione test
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