Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Overnight fasting preferred but not required
- Turn-around: 6-12 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- More sensitive than standard testosterone tests - detects peripheral androgen activity even when testosterone levels appear normal
- Specialized hormone insight - measures actual tissue-level androgen metabolism rather than just circulating hormones
- Direct access without referrals - order confidentially without physician visits or insurance pre-authorization
- Enhanced diagnostic accuracy - provides 88% correlation with treatment response versus 29% for testosterone alone (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism)
- Comprehensive androgen assessment - particularly valuable for women with hyperandrogenic symptoms and normal testosterone
- Treatment monitoring capability - tracks therapeutic effectiveness for PCOS and hirsutism management
Who Is This Test For?
- Women experiencing unexplained facial or body hair growth (hirsutism)
- Adults with persistent acne despite normal testosterone levels
- Women with irregular menstrual cycles or suspected PCOS
- Individuals monitoring treatment effectiveness for hyperandrogenic conditions
- Those with symptoms of androgen excess but normal standard hormone tests
- People seeking comprehensive evaluation of peripheral androgen metabolism
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No appointment needed, select your preferred lab location
- Visit lab for blood draw - Quick venipuncture, takes less than 5 minutes
- Get results securely - Access confidential results online within 6-12 business days
FAQ
What exactly does this test measure? This test measures 3a-androstanediol glucuronide, a metabolite produced when testosterone is converted to DHT and then broken down in peripheral tissues like skin and hair follicles.
How is this different from a regular testosterone test? Unlike testosterone tests that measure circulating hormone levels, this test reveals how much androgen activity is actually occurring in your tissues, providing a more complete picture of androgen metabolism.
Do I need to fast before the test? Overnight fasting is preferred but not absolutely required. Check with your testing facility for specific preparation instructions.
Can this test help diagnose PCOS? Yes, elevated levels can indicate peripheral androgen excess commonly associated with PCOS, especially when other hormone tests appear normal (Endocrine Society Guidelines).
How accurate are the results? The ELISA method has high analytical sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.1 ng/mL and excellent specificity, showing minimal cross-reactivity with other hormones.
Should I stop any medications before testing? Inform your lab about hormonal medications like birth control or corticosteroids, as they may affect results. Consult your healthcare provider before stopping any prescribed medications.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The 3a-Androstanediol Glucuronide Blood Test measures a key metabolite of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to evaluate peripheral androgen metabolism and activity in target tissues (Mayo Clinic Labs). This hormone biomarker reflects actual androgen utilization at the tissue level, particularly in skin and hair follicles, making it more sensitive than standard testosterone measurements for detecting androgen-related disorders.
Unlike direct testosterone measurements, this test provides insight into how your body actually processes and uses androgens in peripheral tissues. The test is particularly valuable because it can detect increased androgen activity even when circulating testosterone levels appear normal, offering a more complete assessment of your hormonal status.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is particularly beneficial for women experiencing symptoms of androgen excess with normal testosterone levels, including unexplained hair growth, adult-onset acne, or irregular menstrual cycles (Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine). It's especially valuable for evaluating hirsutism, which affects approximately 10% of women in the United States and reaches 65-75% prevalence among women with PCOS.
The test is also useful for individuals monitoring treatment effectiveness for hyperandrogenic conditions, as 3a-diol G levels correlate well with clinical improvement during therapy. Healthcare providers may recommend this test when standard hormone panels fail to explain symptoms of androgen excess or when comprehensive evaluation of peripheral androgen metabolism is needed.
When should I order 3a-Androstanediol Glucuronide Blood Test, ELISA?
Consider ordering this test if you experience symptoms of excess androgen activity but have normal testosterone levels, or when monitoring treatment effectiveness for hyperandrogenic conditions. Specific indications include unexplained facial or body hair growth, persistent adult acne, irregular menstrual cycles, or suspected PCOS with normal standard hormone tests.
The test is also appropriate for follow-up monitoring during treatment for androgen-related conditions. For premenopausal women, scheduling during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle provides the most accurate interpretation (Human Reproduction Update).
How do I interpret the results?
3a-Diol G Level: 11–249 ng/dL (Adult Females)
- What it means: Normal range
- Typical action: No immediate action needed
3a-Diol G Level: 112–1046 ng/dL (Adult Males)
- What it means: Normal range
- Typical action: No immediate action needed
Above normal range
- What it means: Elevated peripheral androgen activity
- Typical action: Consider endocrinology consultation
Significantly elevated
- What it means: Possible PCOS, hirsutism, or adrenal hyperplasia
- Typical action: Comprehensive hormone evaluation recommended
Elevated levels suggest increased peripheral androgen metabolism and may indicate conditions requiring specialized endocrine evaluation and treatment.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
Overnight fasting is preferred though not strictly required for accurate results. Avoid hormonal medications if possible, as they may affect test interpretation. For premenopausal women, consider scheduling during the follicular phase of your menstrual cycle for optimal accuracy.
Inform the laboratory about any current medications, particularly hormonal contraceptives, corticosteroids, or other hormone-affecting drugs. These medications may influence results and should be noted for proper interpretation. Stay well-hydrated before your blood draw and wear clothing that allows easy access to your arm.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial evaluation of symptoms: Once, then as clinically indicated
- Monitoring treatment response: Every 3–6 months during active treatment
- Stable, treated condition: Every 6–12 months
- Follow-up after abnormal results: 3–6 months or as recommended by healthcare provider
Why early detection matters
Early detection of elevated androgen activity allows for timely intervention before symptoms become severe or cause permanent changes. Untreated hyperandrogenic conditions can lead to progressive hirsutism, male-pattern baldness, and metabolic complications including insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk.
PCOS, which affects 6-10% of women globally, is associated with increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and fertility issues when left unmanaged (Global systematic review 2024). Early identification through sensitive testing like 3a-diol G enables prompt treatment and lifestyle interventions that can significantly improve long-term outcomes.
Related tests you may consider
Testosterone Free and Total Blood Test Panel - Provides baseline androgen assessment and helps differentiate between various causes of hyperandrogenism, offering broader insight into overall androgen status (Endocrine Society Guidelines).
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) - Evaluates adrenal androgen production and helps distinguish between ovarian and adrenal sources of excess androgens, serving as a complementary marker for comprehensive assessment.
Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) - Measures the protein that binds testosterone, providing context for interpreting free hormone levels and helping assess insulin resistance commonly accompanying hyperandrogenic conditions.
