Causes of elevated androstenedione hormone in women. Why can androstenedione be elevated in women? Androstenedione is normal for women on day 3

It is known what the hormone androstenedione is responsible for in women - namely, for the formation of the two hormones mentioned above. However, high concentrations of androstenedione in women for a long time have a devastating effect on their reproductive system.

Causes of elevated hormone levels

The increased content of androstenedione in women is not constant and depends on menstrual cycle, age, time of day. At a certain threshold of hyperandrogenism, you need to consult an endocrinologist. An increase in the concentration of this hormone precedes the appearance of distinct symptoms, which already force the woman to seek treatment. medical care. The maximum level of androstenedione is observed in the period from 7 to 30 years, after which it sharply falls. Another maximum of the hormone appears in the middle of the menstrual cycle. Another reason increased concentration hormone diseases are:

tumors in the pelvic organs and adrenal glands that provoke its production;
Itsenko-Cushing's disease;
bilateral ovarian enlargement (hyperthecosis);
polycystic ovary syndrome;
hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex (has a congenital origin);
thyroid gland not performing its functions;
osteoporosis.

An increase in the concentration of androstenedione is a sign of a serious pathology and therefore the most complete examination should be carried out.

Hormone levels during pregnancy and after childbirth

Pregnancy is accompanied by an increase in the concentration of almost all hormones, which is due to the rapid development of the fetus. This condition does not require medical intervention. The same applies to the hormone androstenedione during pregnancy and after childbirth. However, very high content hormone is fraught with miscarriage or fetal pathologies. This should be especially avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy. In this regard, in the first trimester, some doctors prescribe Dexamethasone. With current hyperandrogenism, it is almost impossible to conceive a child, which should be paid attention to if it is difficult to get pregnant. After childbirth, the hormone level returns to normal in the absence of other reasons.

Symptoms and signs, the essence of diagnosis

There are some signs that may indicate the presence of hyperandrogenism. These include:

delays or irregularities in the menstrual cycle;
bleeding in the middle of it;
change in voice tone, excessive height hairline(virilization);
intractable acne on the face;
baldness in the back of the head (alopecia);
large deposits of fat on the abdomen;
weight gain due to muscle and fat;
in children early development sexual characteristics;
miscarriage;
difficulty conceiving.

With such symptoms, at a minimum, you should organize medical observation, without waiting for new symptoms to appear, and also conduct laboratory tests to determine the level of the hormone.

Choosing a specialist for treatment

When identifying high concentration hormone, you should decide on the specialization of a doctor who will help find and eliminate the reasons for the increase in androstenedione.

Traditionally, hormonal imbalances are dealt with:

endocrinologist;
gynecologist;
gynecologist-endocrinologist.

Initially, you should contact any of them, the main thing is to do this as early as possible. Any of the listed specialists has sufficient knowledge in these matters. Endocrinologist treats general pathologies both sexes. But hyperandrogenism is more often treated by gynecologists. A doctor with a narrower focus, a gynecologist-endocrinologist specializing in hormonal pathologies reproductive system, not available in all clinics.

Dangers of high hormone levels

Hyperandrogenism, developing long time, can give rise to other diseases and lead to complications of current ones. If hyperandrogenism is detected without medical intervention hormonal background will not recover.

A high concentration of hormones leads to increased masculine traits - deepening of the voice, enhanced growth hair all over the body, acquiring a masculine figure. However, these changes are not main threat health.

Hyperandrogenism gives rise to the following pathologies:

malignant tumors of the pelvic organs;
autoimmune poorly curable Itsenko-Cushing's disease;
severe obesity;
ovarian tumors;
insulin independent diabetes mellitus;
osteoporosis;
baldness;
muscular dystrophy.

A third of tumors generated by ACTH hormones degenerate into malignant ones. Therefore, it is important to apply corrective hormone therapy in a timely manner.

Features of treatment and diet

If detected early, hyperandrogenism can be successfully treated with hormonal therapy.

To normalize endocrine imbalance, the following methods are used:

antiandrogen drugs;
glucocorticosteroids;
oral contraceptives;
cauterization of the ovaries;
in the presence of tumors - surgical intervention;
diet;
cosmetic operations.

Diet plays an important role due to its continuous influence on the body. It is recommended to adhere to a low-calorie diet, reduce the consumption of carbohydrates and fats. Preference should be given to low-calorie protein products (porridge, eggs, low-fat milk, cottage cheese, chicken and fish). Consume less salt and spices, and also eliminate alcohol and tobacco.

Contraindications

drinking alcohol during hormonal treatment;
exhausting diets, nutrition must be balanced;
self-medication with hormonal drugs;
use of anabolic steroids;
let endocrine pathology take its course.

You should also exclude various folk remedies and dietary supplements as they do not have any effect on the secretion of hormones.

Hormones have a strong influence on the body; not only health, but also emotional state depends on them. Androstenedione is a hormone that precedes testosterone. It is present in both female body. However, it is the weaker sex that often suffers from a deficiency or excess of androstenedione. This hormone is produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands. If its content in the blood does not correspond to the norm, then there is a high probability of disruption of the functioning of one of these organs.

Active production of androstenedione begins at approximately 7 years of age and reaches a peak by 30 years of age. Then its content in the blood begins to decrease. Also, the level of this hormone changes throughout the day, maximum amount celebrated in the morning. In women, androstenedione is increased during pregnancy. The result of the analysis also depends on what day of the cycle it is taken (the most androstenedione is in the middle of the cycle).

The norm of this hormone for adult woman is 85-275 ng/100 ml. Any deviation is dangerous to health, because there is a failure in the production of the main sex hormones, which will certainly affect general health person.

Androstenedione in women may increase due to benign or malignant tumors ovaries. This problem can also arise due to polycystic ovary syndrome, in which changes occur in their function and structure.

Androstenedione can be elevated if the adrenal glands are not functioning properly. Most often this is:

hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex;

Another reason is female osteoporosis.

If a woman has elevated anrostenedione, this will greatly affect her appearance and disrupt reproductive functions. Possible irregularities in the menstrual cycle and hair loss, including baldness. Skin problems may begin, an unpleasant rash will appear, which is not easy to get rid of. In addition, a woman begins to develop masculine traits - her voice becomes rougher, and sometimes facial hair begins to grow. It is also possible to increase muscle mass, which is sometimes used by bodybuilders. Experiments with the endocrine system cause enormous harm to health, so the game is not worth the candle.

If a pregnant woman has elevated androstenedione, this can cause infertility or fetal rejection, so it is especially important to monitor its levels when planning a pregnancy. If there is too much of this hormone at a young age, it can lead to early puberty. The symptoms of increased androstenedione are often not given due importance, but this is a serious malfunction endocrine system. Therefore, you should contact a specialist at the first signs of an increase in male hormone.

Analyzes

Problems with metabolism can be detected by the content of androstenedione glucuronide. It itself is not highly active, but by its level it is possible to diagnose failures in the production and. Problems with this hormone are known to cause masculine characteristics in women, such as facial hair, a rough voice, and increased muscle mass.

To check the content of androstenedione glucuronide, you need to follow a number of recommendations that will allow you to determine its level as accurately as possible. The same preparation is required for other types of analysis. It must be treated responsibly, because the actions of the attending physician depend on it.

2 weeks before the test you need to stop taking any oral contraceptives. You should refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages the day before visiting the clinic. It even matters what day of the cycle you donate blood. Usually on days 2-5 of the cycle, sex hormone tests are taken. These numbers may vary depending on the length of the cycle. The test for androstenedione is taken on an empty stomach.

Moreover, during the day you need to limit your intake of fatty and fried foods, as well as spicy foods. It is important not to expose your body heavy loads before analysis. It goes away in the morning, when the level of androstenedione in the blood is highest. It is worth refraining from smoking several hours before the test.

Treatment

If androstenedione deviates from the norm, treatment should be started immediately. Its low level is just as dangerous as its elevated level.

If the level of this hormone is low, the cause is usually adrenal or ovarian insufficiency. But most often problems arise precisely because of increased androstenedione. Under no circumstances try to lower its level on your own, as this can lead to serious disruptions in the endocrine system. It is better to entrust this matter to professionals - a gynecologist or endocrinologist. The entire course of treatment must be carried out under their supervision.

To reduce the hormone androstenedione, oral contraceptives and special medications. Many contraception contain drospirenone, a synthetic hormone that is often used in hormone therapy. Most often it is combined with other substances. The most common combination is a mixture of drospirenone and estrogen. If the disease is caused by a malfunction of the adrenal glands, dexamethasone is used. This hormone is used only in severe cases, for example, during pregnancy. The following drugs have proven themselves well:

Clomiphene;
Androstenediol;
Androstenedione.

Best to use nutritional supplements, such as androstenedione and androstenediol. They normalize testosterone levels in both men and women. These drugs are usually sold in capsule form, their daily value is 100-600 mcg. They enhance those properties of the body for which they are responsible male hormone. There is an increase physical strength and noticeable muscle growth, as well as increased sex drive.

Only a doctor can organize the proper intake of androstenediol and androstenedione. Self-medication is especially dangerous for men, since they have high levels of their own testosterone. If abuse occurs, acne occurs, the emotional state becomes unstable, growth retardation and early puberty.

Lifestyle

To reduce androstenedione levels, you should healthy image life. It is advisable to go to healthy eating, exclude processed foods and spicy foods from your diet. It will be better to limit your consumption of fried and fatty foods. Such a diet will help both with increased androstenedione levels and with decreased ones. For a speedy recovery, you should give up bad habits at least for the duration of treatment.

Exercising also helps normalize hormonal levels if you approach it wisely. It is advisable to avoid strength exercises, especially weights, as they increase the amount of testosterone in the blood. In summer you can get by light jogging or a simple walk fresh air. Remember that reducing androstenedione levels folk remedies dangerous. A well-chosen course of treatment and a healthy lifestyle will quickly return your hormonal levels to normal.

Bibliography

Purulent-septic infection in obstetrics and gynecology. Abramchenko V.V. 2005 Publisher: Special Literature.
Infections in obstetrics and gynecology. Makarova O.V., Aleshkina V.A., Savchenko T.N. Moscow., Medpress-inform, 2007, 462 p.
Gestagens in obstetric and gynecological practice. Korkhov V.V., Tapilskaya N.I. 2005 Publisher: Special Literature.
Obstetrics. National leadership. UMO stamp medical education. Ailamazyan E.K., Radzinsky V.E., Kulakov V.I., Savelyeva G.M. 2009 Publisher: Geotar-Media.
Ectopic pregnancy. UMO stamp for medical education. Sidorova I.S., Guriev T.D. 2007 Publisher: Practical Medicine
Clinical guidelines for contraception. /Translation from English/ Edited by Professor V.N. Prilepskaya - 2009, M.: BINOM Publishing House.

In response to various changes in our body, a nerve impulse is created that enters the brain. It also secretes informative substances that are delivered to the glands by the blood stream. internal secretion. Those, in turn, according to the information received, produce the required amount of required hormones.

It is with the help of hormones that enter the bloodstream from the endocrine glands that the body responds to a change or stimulus. They produce necessary action when they reach their destination - tissue or organ. One of these hormones is androstenedione. What is its role, how and why do we find out about its level in the female body?

Testing for androstenedione

Androstenedione is the main hormone from the group of steroid male sex hormones. It is produced by the ovaries and adrenal cortex, after which it is converted into testosterone. In women's bodies it performs various roles:

Helps increase muscle mass and strength;
Increases protein synthesis and retains them in the body;
Lowers glucose levels;
Promotes the breakdown of fats;
Increases libido;
Provokes the production of sex hormones;
Regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands.

However, with increased concentrations in a woman’s body, androgens can change her voice and figure towards male type, increase body hairiness. Reduced level hormones also has its adverse effects.

In what cases is the analysis performed?

Measuring the amount of androstenedione in the blood may be necessary to determine problems in the ovaries and adrenal glands, as well as in determining the causes of such abnormalities:

dysfunction of the gonads;
uterine bleeding;
menstrual irregularities;
virile syndrome and hirsutism (appearance of masculine features and excess body hair);
premature puberty or delayed puberty;
severe acne;
baldness;
infertility.

It is also determined for selection effective treatment adrenal hyperplasia in women.

Advice! The results of the analysis will play a truly important role when they are in the hands of a specialist. Seriously search for one if you want to have more than just the appearance of treatment. Restoring a woman’s healthy hormonal levels is too difficult a task for a doctor who does not have the proper qualifications.

How to prepare for analysis

The analysis is prescribed a week before or a week after menstruation, strictly in the morning on an empty stomach. Advice on preparing for analysis is worthy of women's attention:

Do not use anything for a month hormonal drugs.
During the day before the analysis, avoid: food overload, alcohol consumption; physical activity; stress.
You should not smoke three hours before donating blood.

Features and timing of the analysis

Serum androstenedione levels in women can be detected different ways, but the ELISA method is most often used - linked immunosorbent assay. To carry out the procedure, you must donate blood from a vein.

Next, a special reagent is injected into the withdrawn blood, which has the necessary ability to bind to androstenedione, thereby changing its color. When analyzing a sample of serum or blood plasma, conclusions about the amount of hormone in it are made based on the color intensity of the reagent. Within 24 hours the patient can see the results.

Acceptable standards

For each age category Women have their own norm of androstenedione in the blood. Usually from 7–9 to 30 years, its level rises sharply, after 30 it begins to fall. The hormone norm for children under 10 years of age is in the range from 8 to 50 ng/100ml, for adolescents – 8 – 240 n100ml, for adult women – 85 – 275 ng/100ml.

Advice! When assessing the result, be guided by the standards specified in the form. medical institution carrying out the analysis. The fact is that different institutions have their own methods and approaches to carrying out the procedure, as well as their own units of measurement, so the standards may differ. It is best to immediately show the results to your gynecologist or endocrinologist.

Deviations from the norm

Androstenedione levels vary throughout the day and monthly cycle women. The danger is posed by serious and persistent deviations in the level of the hormone in the blood. Both elevated and reduced rate indicates existing diseases.

High levels of androstenedione

A slight increase in hormone levels during the day or over the course of a month is quite normal and can only affect emotional state women (increased emotionality or irritability). Androstenedione reaches its highest concentration in the middle of the monthly cycle. Excessively increased level androstenedione can tell the doctor about the following pathologies in a woman’s body:

ovarian diseases (tumors or polycystic ovary syndrome);
adrenal hyperplasia or tumor;
autoimmune and neurodegenerative pathologies;
osteoporosis;
Cushing's syndrome.

High levels of androstenedione are manifested by the following symptoms in women:

early puberty,
rough voice
increased body hairiness,
male body type,
reproductive dysfunction,
uterine bleeding.

If your blood test indicates high level androstenedione, you should seek help from an endocrinologist and gynecologist. Modern effective medications will help correct hormone levels.

Advice! Don't try to diagnose yourself based on external symptoms. To accurately determine your hormone levels, you must take a blood test. Moreover, independent uncontrolled treatment is impossible. Thoughtless interference with hormones can greatly undermine the health of any person.

Low androstenedione levels

Excessively low levels of androstenedione are no less dangerous for women's health than tall. If the analysis result displays excessively low rate, this may indicate the following problems in women's health:

ovarian failure;
adrenal insufficiency;
sickle cell anemia;
impaired production of hormones by the pituitary gland.

Also, the reason for this analysis result may be a nutritional disorder ( strict diet, vegetarianism) or taking hormonal medications. Low level androstenedione is rare, but requires the attention of a doctor, whose primary task is to treat the pathologies that caused the deviation.

Nothing is in our body for nothing - all tissues, organs and substances have their own purpose. Androstenedione in the body of women takes care of correct flow their sex life, supports reproductive function, promotes female beauty and health.

There is no particular need to take a blood test for this hormone for those who do not have complaints about the listed areas of life. The rest need to do it. If an abnormality in androstenedione levels is detected, appropriate treatment will be prescribed.

For woman great importance It has normal level hormones. For any hormonal disorders favorable conditions for development are created various diseases. One of the hormones that the body needs is androstenedione. This is a sex hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands and testes in men, and by the ovaries in women.

Androstenedione is called the precursor of estrone and testosterone. In the female body, the concentration of this hormone is much lower than in the male. Women need it to maintain normal functioning reproductive system. A high level of androstenedione is a signal of disturbances in the body, so it cannot be ignored; it is important to find out the cause and begin treatment.

Functions and norm of the hormone

The synthesis of androstenedione begins at approximately 7 years of age. Until the age of 30, its level gradually increases, after which it declines. Fluctuations in hormone levels are also observed throughout the day. Maximum performance fixed in the morning. In women, the amount of the hormone in the body is affected by the menstrual cycle. It reaches its peak towards the middle of the cycle. Pregnancy also leads to an increase in the level of the substance in the blood.

Androstenedione precedes the final formation of and. If the hormone is not produced correctly, the functionality of the entire reproductive system of a woman is disrupted. This may lead to serious pathological changes, including oncology. To identify deviations in hormone levels, you need to carry out laboratory test. The concentration of androstenedione glucuronide, the active form of androstenedione, is usually determined.

The norm of androstenedione in women:

first week of life - 0.2-2.9 ng/ml;
girls under one year old - 0.06-0.68 ng/ml;
up to 10 years - 0.08-0.5 ng/ml;
up to 17 years - 0.75-2.05 ng/ml;
women over 17 years old - 0.85-2.75 ng/ml;
after 50 years - 0.1-6 ng/ml.

Analysis for androstenedione

Venous blood is taken for testing. The analysis is carried out using the method immunological analysis(ELISA).

Before taking blood, a woman needs to undergo certain preparation:

stop taking birth control pills 2 weeks before the test;
donate blood in the first 3 days of the cycle, unless otherwise recommended by the doctor;
reduce physical exercise a week before the test, 2 days completely exclude them;
do not have sex a day before the test;
3 days before donating blood, avoid smoking, alcohol, fatty, fried, smoked foods, and confectionery;
the last meal should be no later than 10-12 hours before the analysis, you should not drink water or carbonated drinks;
avoid stressful situations.

Causes of hyperandrogenism

If the preparation for the analysis was correct, then in the absence of deviations the androstenedione level should be normal. Since there is no single standard and indicators may fluctuate due to the influence physiological factors, you need to take into account all the smallest nuances.

An increase in androstenedione may indicate the presence of serious illnesses in a woman's body:

tumor formations of the adrenal glands, pelvic organs;
hypercortisolism;
hyperthecosis;
thyroid dysfunction;
osteoporosis.

High hormone during pregnancy

Pregnant women are characterized by an increase in hormonal levels. This physiological process, which in most cases does not need correction. But an excessively high level of androstenedione in the 1st trimester can be dangerous for the course of pregnancy, fraught with miscarriage and other disorders in the development of the fetus. After childbirth, the hormone level should return to normal.

Clinical picture

The first thing that should alert a woman with hyperandrogenism is a violation ovulatory cycle. There may be delays in menstruation, as well as complete absence. A high level of androstenedione manifests itself in a woman with vivid symptoms, which can also affect external changes. The severity of symptoms depends on general condition hormonal system, individual characteristics of the organism.

Symptoms of hyperandrogenism:

intermenstrual bleeding;
increased hairiness on the face and body;
deepening of the voice;
acne;
alopecia;
accumulation of fat mass in the abdominal area;
weight gain;
constant miscarriages;
inability to get pregnant.

On a note! If the increase in androstenedione is insignificant, symptoms may be absent or mild. As a rule, this happens in the case of physiological hyperandrogenism.

Possible consequences

If a woman experiences a chronic increase in androstenedione, this does not go unnoticed. Hormonal imbalances gradually lead to various complications:

masculinization and acquisition of male traits;
gynecological diseases (hyperplasia, polycystic disease);
muscular dystrophy;
obesity;
malignant ovarian tumors;
baldness.

If a blood test shows a high level of the hormone, you need to contact an endocrinologist or gynecologist. Before prescribing treatment, you need to find out the causes of the pathological condition.

Additional examinations are carried out:

complete hormonal screening;
CT with contrast;

To correct the level of androstenedione, therapy is carried out, selected individually for each patient. To restore normal hormone levels, they usually use:

oral contraceptives;
glucocorticosteroids;
estrogens (Clomiphene);
antiandrogen drugs (Cytoproterone);
coagulation of the ovaries.

Very effective for hyperandrogenism birth control pills with a combination of female sex hormones:

Diana-35;
Ovidon;
Marvelon.

The above drugs have an antiandrogenic effect. The course of taking these medications should be long-term. But before prescribing, it is necessary to take into account possible side effects of drugs and contraindications. Women with type 2 diabetes and a history of heart disease should not take estrogen-containing oral contraceptives.

On the page, learn about the first signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer in women, as well as the prognosis for recovery from the disease.

Glucocorticosteroids for high androstenedione:

Prednisolone;
Dexamethasone.

TO surgical intervention resorted only in the presence of tumors.

Lifestyle correction

In some cases, lifestyle and nutrition adjustments can significantly affect the normalization of hormonal levels.

switch to a low-calorie diet if you are overweight;
give up simple carbohydrates, fast food;
limit salt intake;
give preference to products of plant origin;
eat 4-5 times a day in small portions;
eliminate alcohol consumption and smoking;
Regularly engage in moderate physical activity.

Increasing androstenedione requires attention from the woman. This affects the production of major sex hormones, which can subsequently lead to dysfunction of the reproductive system. Correction hormonal imbalance can only be carried out with the help of a specialist after carrying out all the necessary diagnostic procedures.

When diagnosed with elevated androstenedione levels, many people wonder: what is androstenedione? Androstenedione is a sex hormone (male) that is produced in the ovaries, can be produced in small quantities in the adrenal cortex in men and women, and in the testes in males.

In many literary sources, the hormone androstenedione is also called the precursor of estrone and testosterone, since this hormone is converted into testosterone, and this happens, as a rule, in the gonads (estrone in the ovaries), as well as in adipose tissue.

Of course, androstenedione and changes in its levels affect women to a greater extent. This hormone begins to be produced at about 7 years of age, and until the age of 30 it gradually increases and reaches its maximum value. After 30, the amount of this hormone declines. The level of androstenedione varies throughout the day, reaching its maximum value in the morning.

In women, the level of this hormone in the body changes depending on the menstrual cycle.

Androstenedione reaches its maximum value in women approximately in the middle of the menstrual cycle. During pregnancy, the amount of the hormone begins to increase sharply.

There are several methods for determining the normal level of androstenedione. They depend on the method of conduct and units of measurement. Therefore, people are often faced with a situation where they cannot understand the results obtained without the help of a specialist doctor.

Pathological manifestations

The symptoms of androstenedione imbalance are quite simple, which is why many representatives of the fair sex may not pay attention to them. However, if the manifestation of several of them becomes quite noticeable, it is necessary to do a blood test to determine the level of androstenedione.

Some symptoms:

appearance acne, which is preserved for a long time and practically cannot be treated;
oily skin;
the appearance of breast diseases;
hair growth that is not typical for women (above the lip, on the chin, on the chest or below the navel);
sudden changes in the menstrual cycle;
sudden hair loss;
bleeding from the uterus;
early puberty;
infertility, fetal rejection.

Most dangerous reasons Androstenedione imbalance is a tumor of the ovaries or adrenal glands. In these 2 cases, it is extremely necessary to urgently consult a doctor (gynecologist or endocrinologist), because, as you know, the organs of the reproductive and endocrine system are very difficult to treat, even at initial stages diseases.

Based on many years of research, “normal” values for androstenedione levels have been established. In men, the norm is 0.6-3 ng/ml, in women, the norm is 0.3-3.2 ng/ml.

Preparing for the study

To analyze the level of androstenedione, blood from a vein is used, which is taken in the usual way for everyone.

Firstly, when preparing for the study, you need to remember that the level of the hormone changes throughout the day (the maximum value in the morning, the minimum in the evening), so it would be optimal to donate blood in the morning. Secondly, you need to donate blood on an empty stomach, and the day before it is better not to eat very fatty and spicy foods; as an exception, you can eat clean water no gases.

At least 2 weeks before the test, you should stop or eliminate the use of contraceptives in the form of tablets. Before the analysis, you should not expose yourself to heavy loads and overexertion. It is extremely important to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours before and not to smoke for several hours immediately before the test.

Therapeutic measures

At the slightest deviation of androstenedione from normal condition this process cannot be started, since the sooner you start treatment, the rather a problem will be liquidated. If after a blood test it is revealed that androstenedione is increased or decreased, it is necessary to consult a doctor - a gynecologist or endocrinologist - so that he can prescribe treatment, which will be developed individually for each patient. Only such treatment will be highly effective.

In no case should you self-medicate for diseases of the reproductive or endocrine system, as this will not only not contribute to recovery, but can also cause harm by aggravating the situation.

When androstenedione levels decrease, men may experience weight gain. Moreover, in in this case weight gain will not occur due to the growth of fat tissue, but due to the growth of muscle mass. This property is very often used by bodybuilders. They take special medications that help lower androstenedione levels. But often the beauty of the body clouds the mind, and they do not understand the enormous harm they cause to the body. TO side effects decreases in the amount of the hormone include: hair loss and even baldness, prostate enlargement, sometimes muscle mass may increase disproportionately due to the individual characteristics of a person.

Most often, nutritional supplements and oral contraceptives, such as Androstenedione and Androstenediol, Clomiphene, Cyproterone, are prescribed as medications that increase hormone levels. As additional effects, these drugs can cause an increase in muscle mass, an increase in libido, and the appearance of strength.

The use of these drugs without a doctor's prescription is not recommended, as this may lead to negative consequences. Do not neglect the rules of administration, which were developed individually; the drug has a number of contraindications and side effects.

To reduce treatment time the best option will switch to a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition, study active species sports and, of course, give up alcohol and smoking.

To treat more severe stages changes in levels, especially during pregnancy, doctors prescribe Dexamethasone. This drug is also a hormone that is used to treat changes in androstenedione levels associated with adrenal disease. It is also used to prevent miscarriages.

Women planning a pregnancy in the near future should definitely donate blood from a vein to analyze the level of hormones such as androstenedione and androstenedione glucuronide. Since normal levels of these hormones contribute to the proper course of pregnancy and the birth of a healthy child.

Useful information about androstenedione glucuronide

Androstenedione glucuronide is also a hormone that is formed as a result of the reduction of dihydrotestosterone. It is a product of the metabolism of male sex hormones at the skin level. At varying levels, it can lead to the appearance of characteristic masculine features in females, most often expressed by hair growth in inappropriate places, changes in physique, and even the appearance of a rougher timbre of the voice. May lead to androgenesis. The level of this hormone tends to increase with excess hair growth in women and ovarian diseases. In men, a decrease in the level of androstenedione glucuronide is more common, which is associated with insufficient production of male sex hormones.

To determine the level of androstenedione glucuronide, an analysis is performed venous blood. Just like for androstenedione, based on the results of many years of research, the average levels of this hormone in the body of men and women were established. The norm for men (from 14 years old) is 3.5-25 ng/ml; for women: from 5 to 50 years old - 0.5-5.5 ng/ml, over 50 years old - 0.1-6 ng/ml.

women with excess hair growth (hirsutism) in any case (all signs or local);
when observing;
with enlargement of the adrenal cortex due to the appearance of neoplasms, with ovarian tumors.

During the examination it is necessary to take into account possible reasons the appearance of excess hair growth and other diseases.

Before performing a blood test, a number of requirements must be met. Exclude fatty foods from your diet for 1 day. Blood sampling should be done on an empty stomach, and it would be better not to eat food for 8 hours; you can only drink clean, still water. Do not consume during the day before the test alcoholic drinks. Do not smoke an hour before the test. It is best to donate blood in the morning.

If there is a significant change in the level of androstenedione glucuronide, treatment is prescribed by a medical specialist. You cannot self-medicate.

It is worth strictly adhering to treatment recommendations, which should be developed individually. Throughout treatment, it is necessary to periodically observe the doctor who prescribed the treatment. In case of improvement or deterioration, the doctor will definitely change the rules of treatment.

On average, the cost of analysis in Russia is: for androstenedione - 1200-1300 rubles, for androstenedione glucuronide - 1300-1400 rubles.