Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (red-top tube)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 5–7 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Superior accuracy with LC/MS technology offering 94.5-109.9% analytical recovery vs traditional methods
- Convenient access without doctor visits or appointments at thousands of locations nationwide
- Cost-effective testing up to 50-80% less expensive than traditional healthcare channels
- Complete confidentiality with secure online result delivery protecting sensitive health information
- Early detection of hormonal imbalances before symptoms become severe
Who Is This Test For?
- Women experiencing irregular periods, excessive facial hair, or severe acne
- Individuals with suspected PCOS affecting 6-13% of reproductive-age women
- People investigating fertility issues or unexplained reproductive health concerns Those monitoring treatment for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
- Adults with family history of hormonal disorders or adrenal conditions
- Children showing signs of early puberty or abnormal sexual development
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online without prescriptions or appointments at any Walk-in Lab location
- Quick blood draw collected by certified phlebotomist using simple venipuncture
- Get results securely online within 5-7 days
FAQ
What does androstenedione measure in my body? Androstenedione is a hormone precursor produced by adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes that converts to testosterone and estrogen, helping evaluate hormonal balance.
How accurate is the LC/MS method compared to other tests? LC/MS offers superior precision with <2% imprecision at higher concentrations compared to immunoassays which can show 66% or greater deviations from reference standards.
When is the best time to take this test? Schedule your test between 6-10 AM when hormone levels are most stable for optimal accuracy and consistency.
Can this test diagnose PCOS definitively? This test provides crucial androgen data for PCOS diagnosis, but healthcare providers typically combine results with clinical symptoms and ultrasound findings per 2023 international guidelines.
Do I need to stop medications before testing? Continue prescribed medications unless specifically instructed otherwise, but inform the lab about any androstenedione or DHEA supplements which can affect results.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Androstenedione Blood Test measures levels of androstenedione, a steroid hormone that serves as a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen. This test evaluates adrenal gland, ovarian, and testicular function to diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and androgen-secreting tumors (Mayo Clinic 2023). The LC/MS methodology provides exceptional accuracy for detecting subtle hormonal imbalances that traditional immunoassays might miss.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test benefits women with symptoms of hormonal imbalance including irregular menstruation, excessive facial or body hair, severe acne, or fertility concerns. It's valuable for people with suspected adrenal disorders, those monitoring CAH treatment, and individuals with family history of hormonal conditions (WHO 2025). Children showing signs of early puberty and adults with unexplained changes in secondary sex characteristics would also benefit from this comprehensive hormonal assessment.
When should I order Androstenedione Blood Test, LC/MS?
Order this test if experiencing symptoms of androgen excess such as irregular periods, excessive facial/body hair, severe acne, male-pattern baldness, or voice deepening. It's recommended when investigating fertility issues, monitoring CAH treatment, or following up abnormal testosterone or 17-hydroxyprogesterone results (Endocrine Society 2023). Schedule testing in early morning (before 10 AM) for optimal accuracy.
How do I interpret the results?
Adult Males
- Normal range: 40–220 ng/dL
- Elevated levels may indicate: Testicular or adrenal dysfunction
Adult Females (Follicular phase)
- Normal range: 51–213 ng/dL
- Elevated levels may indicate: PCOS, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), adrenal or ovarian tumors
Adult Females (Luteal phase)
- Normal range: 73–184 ng/dL
- Elevated levels may indicate: Androgen excess disorder
Postmenopausal Women
- Normal range: 20–75 ng/dL
- Elevated levels may indicate: Adrenal or gonadal abnormalities
In a clinical audit, 28% of tested samples showed elevated androstenedione levels, with 41% of these having normal testosterone, confirming this test's value in detecting subtle hyperandrogenism.
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
Schedule your test between 6-10 AM when hormone levels are most stable. No fasting is required, though consistent timing helps with interpretation if repeat testing is needed. Continue prescribed medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. Inform the lab about any androstenedione or DHEA supplements, as these can significantly affect results. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before testing as it may temporarily alter hormone levels.
How often should I get tested?
- PCOS monitoring: Every 6–12 months
- CAH (Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia) treatment monitoring: Every 3–6 months
- Fertility investigation: As directed by provider
- General hormonal health: Annually or as symptoms warrant
- Post-treatment follow-up: 3–6 months after intervention
Why early detection matters
Early detection of hormonal imbalances prevents progression to more serious complications. PCOS affects 6-13% of reproductive-age women worldwide, with up to 70% remaining undiagnosed, leading to increased risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and fertility issues (WHO 2025). CAH has an incidence of 1 in 15,000 births, with potential for life-threatening adrenal crisis if unmanaged (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 2021). Timely identification enables prompt treatment and better long-term outcomes.
Related tests you may consider
17-Hydroxyprogesterone Test – Essential companion for diagnosing CAH, measuring the direct precursor that accumulates when enzyme deficiency occurs, providing crucial confirmation alongside androstenedione results.
DHEAS (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate) – Helps distinguish between adrenal and ovarian sources of excess androgens when evaluated with androstenedione, particularly valuable for suspected hyperandrogenism with normal testosterone levels.
Hormone #1 Baseline Blood Test Panel, Men – screens for hormone imbalances related to andropause or decreased testosterone production.
