Androstenedione Test - Price, Procedure, Range - [2024]

Introduction to Androstenedione Test

Have your periods been absent for a long time? Or have you been experiencing excessive hair growth on the body? Your androgen levels may be higher than usual; these are some of its effects.

Androgens are male sex hormones like testosterone. It is a known fact that males and females have a slight amount of each other’s sex hormones present in their bodies. However, if these hormones start to rise to an unusual level, then it is an issue that needs to be addressed and taken care of.

In the last few years, the number of women with high androgen levels has increased. If you suspect symptoms of this, you must consult your gynecologist as soon as possible. They may suggest that you get the androstenedione test done so they can better understand your condition and treat it accordingly.

If your doctor has suggested the test and you are looking for a place to get yourself tested, you can book your test with Redcliffe Labs. You can get blood samples collected from your doorstep without the hassle of waiting in long queues.

Test Details:

Androstenedione Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer Androstenedione Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of services in your area.

What is the Androstenedione test?

Androstenedione is a healthcare diagnostic procedure that analyzes the effective functioning of the adrenal glands. The test is beneficial for checking both male and female physical characteristics or virilization. 

Who should get the Androstenedione Test?

The androstenedione test is typically recommended for individuals exhibiting symptoms or having conditions that suggest abnormal androgen levels. Specific groups who may need this test include:

•  Women with Symptoms of Hyperandrogenism:

Symptoms include excessive hair growth (hirsutism), severe acne, male-pattern baldness, or virilization (deepening of the voice, increased muscle mass).

•  Women with Menstrual Irregularities:

Irregular or absent menstrual periods may indicate conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

•  Individuals Suspected of Having CAH:

Children or adults who exhibit signs of early puberty, rapid growth in childhood, or other symptoms indicative of CAH.

•  Patients with Adrenal or Ovarian Tumors:

Those who have symptoms suggest the presence of androgen-secreting tumors, such as unexplained virilization or rapid changes in body hair distribution.

•  Men with Symptoms of Androgen Excess or Deficiency:

Men show signs of abnormal androgen levels, such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or unexplained fatigue.

•  Individuals Undergoing Treatment for Hormonal Imbalance:

Patients who are being treated for conditions related to androgen excess or deficiency monitor the effectiveness of their treatment.

Preparations Before the Androstenedione Test:

No special set of rules must be followed before taking the androstenedione blood test. However, these are some basic guidelines to be followed:

• You are not required to fast before taking the double marker test, but if your health requires it, talk to your physician about any special dietary requirements.
• If you are pregnant, you might be taking any medication or supplements. It is important to inform your doctor about that as well. You do not need to panic in such situations; if they think there is an issue, they will also tell you about the solution. 
• It is a blood test, so avoiding any workouts or yoga before taking the test is always recommended.
• It is advised not to smoke or drink alcohol before taking the test because it may alter the test results.

If you follow these basic guidelines before taking the test and keep your physician in the loop, you are ready.

Conditions diagnosed through the Androstenedione Test:

The androstenedione test measures the level of androstenedione, a steroid hormone, in the blood. It is often used to help diagnose and monitor conditions related to abnormal androgen levels. Symptoms and conditions that can be diagnosed or monitored through this test include:

•  Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, male sex hormones that are usually present in women in small amounts. If you have these symptoms, get tested:

• Irregular menstrual periods
• Excessive hair growth (hirsutism)
• Acne
• Weight gain

•  Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH):

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is the medical name for a group of genetic conditions that affect the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are a pair of walnut-sized organs above the kidneys. Its symptoms are:

• Ambiguous genitalia in newborns
• Early puberty
• Rapid growth during childhood with early cessation of growth
• Infertility

•  Adrenal Tumors or Hyperplasia:

Adrenal tumors can be malignant (cancer) or benign (not cancerous). Even benign adrenal tumors can be dangerous or cause uncomfortable symptoms. Some of those are:

• Virilization (development of male characteristics in females, such as deep voice, increased muscle mass, and body hair)
• Hypertension
• Weight loss or gain
• Fatigue

•  Ovarian Tumors:

Ovaries can become enlarged (masses or tumors) due to cysts (ovarian and hemorrhagic ovarian cysts), masses (endometriomas), or neoplasms (growths). Some of it’s symptoms are:

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Pelvic pain
• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Rapidly growing abdominal mass

•  Androgen-secreting Tumors:

These tumors make too much testosterone and can cause a virilizing (i.e., masculinizing) syndrome. Some symptoms to look out for:

• Excessive hair growth
• Deepening of the voice
• Increased muscle mass
• Enlargement of the clitoris in females

The test is generally used to investigate the cause of symptoms associated with excess or deficient androgen production. It helps healthcare providers determine the underlying condition affecting hormone balance and guides appropriate treatment.

How can you maintain your Androgen levels?

Keeping the androgen levels in control in females requires many steps, like taking proper medication, making necessary lifestyle changes, and monitoring the hormone levels regularly. Some generic strategies you may follow to keep your androgen level in control are:

• Eat a Balanced Diet:

Eat a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid having extra sugary food items that are rich in carbohydrates.

•  Exercise Regularly:

Engage in regular physical activity, which can help regulate hormone levels and improve overall health.

•  Weight Management:

Maintain a healthy weight, as excess body fat can contribute to hormonal imbalances immensely.

•  Stress Management:

You can start practicing yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to keep stress-induced hormone imbalances at bay.

Remember, it is important to consult your doctor before making any lifestyle or diary changes. If you have high androgen levels, your doctor will provide you with a treatment method and suggest any lifestyle changes that are required based on your medical history.

The procedure for the Androstenedione test:

This androstenedione test is like any other blood test, and it does not take more than 5-10 minutes for the phlebotomist to take the blood sample. The procedure for getting the test is as follows:

• The phlebotomist, on arrival, ties a band around your arm.
• They tell you to make a fist so the veins are properly visible.
• They disinfect the area from which the blood is to be drawn.
• Then, a thin, sterile needle is inserted into the vein to draw blood, and after the needle is removed, a bandage is put on the punctured area.
• After drawing the blood, they put it in a vial, seal it, and label it.
• This vial is then taken to the laboratory to be tested.

Remember that the punctured area may have a stinging sensation for two days. If the pain lasts longer than two days or is significantly severe, consult a doctor.

Benefits of the Androstenedione Test?

The androstenedione test offers several benefits in diagnosing and managing various conditions. Key benefits include:

• Accurate Diagnosis:

It helps in diagnosing conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and adrenal or ovarian tumors by measuring androgen levels.

•  Monitoring Treatment Efficacy:

Allows healthcare providers to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for conditions involving abnormal androgen levels, ensuring that therapy is working as intended.

•  Identifying Hormonal Imbalances:

Aids in detecting hormonal imbalances that could be causing symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, or other signs of virilization.

•  Guiding Further Testing:

Results can prompt further testing or imaging studies to pinpoint the exact cause of abnormal androgen production, aiding in comprehensive patient care.

•  Early Detection:

Early identification of conditions like CAH or androgen-secreting tumors can lead to prompt and appropriate interventions, potentially improving patient outcomes.

•  Personalized Treatment Plans:

It provides valuable information for tailoring treatment plans based on the patient's specific hormonal profile, enhancing the effectiveness of medical interventions.

Overall, the androstenedione test is a crucial tool for endocrinologists and other healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing disorders related to androgen imbalance, ultimately contributing to better patient care and outcomes.

Get yourself Tested from Redcliffe Labs!

Multiple symptoms can be looked for, and if you have high androgen levels, consult with your health provider. If they suggest you get the androstenedione test done, it is always recommended that you get tested as soon as possible. It helps your doctor understand your condition and provide you with a treatment plan accordingly.

You can book your tests from Redcliffe Labs and have the blood sample collected from the comfort of your home. The androstenedione test price at Redcliffe Labs is INR 2000. This test price varies from place to place, but we try to keep it minimal.