Androstenedione is a naturally occurring steroid hormone found in both men and women. It is a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen, meaning it can be converted into these hormones in the body. Androstenedione plays a role in various bodily functions, including muscle growth, bone density, and sexual development. While it can be found naturally in the body, it is also available as a dietary supplement. However, it is important to note that the use of androstenedione supplements can have potential health risks and is often banned in many sports due to its performance-enhancing properties.

THIS ASSAY IS PREFERRED AS A SCREENING TEST FOR CUSHING SYNDROME. IT ALSO HELPS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF PSEUDO-HYPERALDOSTERONISM DUE TO EXCESSIVE LICORICE CONSUMPTION. THE TEST HAS LIMITED USEFULNESS IN THE EVALUATION OF ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY.

DEOXYCORTICOSTERONE (DOC) IS A PRECURSOR OF CORTICOSTERONE AND ALDOSTERONE. HIGH LEVELS ARE OBSERVED IN PATIENTS WITH 11-HYDROXYLASE DEFICIENCY. PATIENTS WITH DOC SECRETING TUMORS ALSO EXHIBIT HYPERTENSION.

CHILDREN WITH HYPOADRENALISM EXHIBIT A GREATER DECREASE IN CORTISOL AS COMPARED WITH CORTISONE. USUALLY IN THESE CASES CORTISONE LEVELS ARE HIGHER THAN CORTISOL LEVELS AND THE CORTISONE / CORTISOL RATIO EXCEEDS 1.0. CHILDREN WITH ADRENAL CANCER EXHIBIT NORMAL OR HIGH VALUES OF CORTISOL, WHEREAS CORTISONE LEVELS ARE DECREASED AND THE CORTISONE / CORTISOL RATIO IS NEARLY ZERO. THE RATIO BECOMES NORMAL AFTER EXCISION OF ADRENAL TUMORS.