Androgens and Metabolites (Urine) - DUTCH
Urine
Performed by: Precision Analytical (DUTCH)
In the Androgens and Metabolites section we are looking at essentially three main things:
1. Total DHEA production
2. Testosterone levels
3. Metabolic preference (5a versus 5b metabolism)
- If androgens are heading down the alpha pathway, there is more of a preference for making DHT, which is highly androgenic
1. Total DHEA production
To look at the total DHEA production we are adding up the three primary DHEA metabolites:
- DHEA-S (The "S" stands for sulfate)
- Etiocholanolone
- Androsterone
If you are adding those 3 metabolites of DHEA together we are getting a good picture of the Total DHEA production for the day.
Why are we looking at those 3 metabolites? If, for example, overall DHEA levels and Etiocholanolone + Androsterone are high, why could DHEA-S levels be low? Inflammation could be blocking the sulfation of DHEA. So, it's good to look at the various DHEA markers instead of just looking at one overall DHEA level.
2. Testosterone levels
There is simply a single measurement of testosterone. The measurements also include 3 downstream metabolites of testosterone:
- 5a-DHT
- 5a-Androstanediol
- 5b-Androstanediol
3. Metabolic preference (5a versus 5b metabolism)
- Androsterone is a 5a-metabolite
- Etiocholanolone is a 5b-metabolite
If Androsterone is elevated and Etiocholanalone is relatively low, the metabolism will tend to favor towards the alpha side. Alpha metabolites are more androgenic and beta metabolites are less androgenic.
When testosterone pushes towards DHT it has to go down the 5-alpha metabolite pathway. This can be the case in a female with, for example, PCOS. In this situation there is typically an insulin issue which pushes towards 5-alpha. When testosterone gets into the cellular space (ex. hair follicle or skin) it will shift towards DHT (via the 5-alpha pathway). DHT happens to be 3-times more potent than testosterone. In these women symptoms of high androgen, such as thinning scalp hair, facial hair growth or acne can often show.
To summarize, in this category we have to look at the overall DHEA levels, Testosterone levels and the metabolic preference (alpha versus beta). If androgens are heading down the 5a pathway, there is more of a preference for making DHT (very androgenic). This can even happen if overall androgen levels are low.
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Biomarkers included in this panel:
5a-Androstanediol is a testosterone metabolite that is more androgenic than b-Androstanediol. It is metabolized via the 5-alpha metabolic pathway (= increased 5α-reductase activity). In contrast, the 5-beta metabolism makes androgens less poten
Learn more5a-DHT is a testosterone metabolite. 5a-DHT is essential for the development of the male sex characteristics before birth, particularly the formation of the external genitalia. In the adult, 5a-DHT is needed to develop and maintain male gend
Learn more5a-DHT is a testosterone metabolite. 5a-DHT is essential for the development of the male sex characteristics before birth, particularly the formation of the external genitalia. In the adult, 5a-DHT is needed to develop and maintain male gend
Learn more5b-Androstanediol is a testosterone metabolite that is less androgenic than 5a-DHT and 5a-Androstanediol. It is metabolized via the 5-beta metabolic pathway. In contrast, the 5-alpha metabolism makes androgens more potent (= increased 5α-reduct
Learn more5b-Androstanediol is a testosterone metabolite that is less androgenic than 5a-DHT and 5a-Androstanediol. It is metabolized via the 5-beta metabolic pathway. In contrast, the 5-alpha metabolism makes androgens more potent (= increased 5α-reduct
Learn moreAndrosterone is a DHEA metabolite via the 5-alpha-reductase pathway. The 5-alpha pathway is more androgenic.
Learn moreAndrosterone and Etiocholanolone are DHEA metabolites via Androstenedione and the 5α- and 5β-reductase pathways.
Learn moreDHEA-S is the sulfate ester of DHEA and only a part of DHEA testing. If this marker was low it would mean that there is potential inflammation blocking DHEA being converted to DHEA-S.
Learn moreDHEA is produced in the adrenal glands and is a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen.
Learn moreEpi-Testosterone is one of several naturally-occurring testosterone compounds in the body that act as steroids.
Learn moreEpi-Testosterone is one of several naturally-occurring testosterone compounds in the body that act as steroids.
Learn moreEtiocholanolone is a DHEA metabolite that is excreted in the urine. It is produced from androstenedione and the 5-beta-reductase metabolic pathway. It is helpful in evaluating adrenal and androgen function.
Learn moreEtiocholanolone is an androstenedione and testosterone metabolite that is excreted in the urine. It is produced from androstenedione and the 5-alpha and 5-beta-reductase metabolic pathways. It is helpful in evaluating adrenal and androgen function.
Learn moreTestosterone is the major androgen in the body. It is converted to dihydrotestosterone by 5-alphareductase, and to estradiol by aromatase.
Learn moreTestosterone is the major androgen in the body. It is converted to dihydrotestosterone by 5-alphareductase, and to estradiol by aromatase.
Learn moreDHEA is often called the anti-aging hormone. It’s made in the adrenal glands naturally and levels hit their peak in your 20s. They start to dwindle after you hit 30. Estrogen and testosterone are created from DHEA.
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