Androstenedione RIA Test

Measurement of serum androstenedione provides a useful marker of androgen biosynthesis. Elevated androstenedione levels have been demonstrated in virilizing congenital adrenal hyperplasia [4]. Serum androstenedione levels are also increased in polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian stromal hyperthecosis, 3b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency, and other causes of hirsutism in women [3,5]. Elevated serum androstenedione levels may also occur in adrenal and ovarian virilizing tumors [3].

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5. Rittmaster RS, Thompson DL: Effects of leuprolide and dexamethasone on hair growth and hormone levels in hirsute women: the relative importance of the ovary and adrenal in the pathogenesis of hirsutism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 70:1096-1102, 1990.
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