Androstenedione Blood Test, LC/MS

Androstenedione estriol (E3) blood test is used to evaluate the function of the adrenal gland and the ovaries or the testicles as well as the production of hormones related to the development of male sex organs and physical characteristics (androgens). It is most commonly used to determine the cause of symptoms of excess androgens in a woman who has an elevated testosterone level, along with a few other laboratory tests for this purpose.

Description

An androstenedione level may be used to:

• Evaluate adrenal gland function and to distinguish between androgen-secreting conditions that are caused by the adrenal glands from those that originate in the ovaries or testicles, if results of DHEASand testosterone testing are abnormal
• Help diagnose tumors in the outer layer (cortex) of the adrenal gland or tumors outside of the adrenal gland that secrete ACTH (ectopic) and separate these conditions from ovarian or testicular tumors and cancers
• Diagnose congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and monitor CAH treatment, in addition to tests for testosterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone, for example
• Help diagnose polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and help rule out other causes of infertility, no monthly menstrual periods (amenorrhea), and excess body and facial hair (hirsutism) in women who have abnormal results on tests for DHEAS, testosterone, and other hormones such as FSH, LH, prolactin, and estrogen
• Investigate and diagnose the cause of male physical characteristics (virilization) in young girls and early (precocious) puberty in young boys
• Help determine the cause of delayed puberty and investigate suspected ovarian or testicular failure