A progesterone, serum test measures the level of progesterone, a female hormone, in the blood.This test is primarily used to evaluate fertility, monitor pregnancy, and diagnose hormonal imbalances.Progesterone plays a crucial role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy, supporting the early stages of pregnancy, and regulating the menstrual cycle.Abnormal progesterone levels can indicate ovulation disorders, pregnancy complications, or other reproductive issues.

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.

A total testosterone test measures the combined levels of both free and bound testosterone in the blood. This is the most common type of testosterone test and is typically used to assess overall testosterone levels. Its important to note that while total testosterone provides valuable information, it does not directly reflect the biologically active form of the hormone.

THE DHEA-S (DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE SULFATE) TEST MEASURES THE LEVEL OF DHEA-S, A STEROID HORMONE PRODUCED PRIMARILY BY THE ADRENAL GLANDS. 1 IT PLAYS A ROLE IN THE PRODUCTION OF SEX HORMONES LIKE TESTOSTERONE AND ESTROGEN. 1 THIS TEST IS USED TO ASSESS ADRENAL FUNCTION, DIAGNOSE CONDITIONS LIKE ADRENAL TUMORS OR POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS), AND INVESTIGATE EARLY PUBERTY OR ABNORMAL HORMONE LEVELS IN BOTH MEN AND WOMEN.

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.