5a,3a–androstanediol is a neuroactive steroid that enhances dopamine activity, important for mood elevation.

5a,3a-Androstanediol, a metabolite of the potent androgen 5a-Dihydrotestosterone (5a-DHT), is a significant marker in the ZRT Laboratory Urinary Neurotransmitters panel, emphasizing its role in male health and hormonal balance. This metabolite provides insight into the body's androgen metabolism, particularly reflecting the activity of 5a-DHT, a key hormone in male physiology.

In men, 5a,3a-Androstanediol is involved in several critical functions, including the development and maintenance of male characteristics, regulation of mood and libido, and influence on hair growth patterns. Abnormal levels of this metabolite can indicate issues in androgen metabolism, which might manifest in conditions such as male pattern baldness, prostate health concerns, and potential mood disorders.

5a,3a–androstanediol is a neuroactive steroid that enhances dopamine activity, important for mood elevation.

3a-Androstanediol (often abbreviated as 3a-diol), also known as 5a-androstane-3a,17b-diol, is an endogenous inhibitory androstane neurosteroid and a weak androgen, and a major metabolite of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). As a neurosteroid, it acts as a potent positive allosteric modulator of the GABAA receptor, and has been found to have rewarding, anxiolytic, pro-sexual, and anticonvulsant effects. Relative to its isomer 3b-androstanediol, which is a potent estrogen, 3a-androstanediol has substantially lower, though still significant affinity for the estrogen receptors.

5b-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-reductase activity).

5β-Androstanediol is a metabolite of testosterone formed through the 5β-DHT pathway. It plays a role in assessing androgen metabolism and provides insights into 5β-reductase activity. Measuring this metabolite, along with others like 5α-Androstanediol, Androsterone, and Etiocholanolone, helps evaluate overall androgen status, especially in individuals with low DHEA or testosterone levels, where direct hormone measurements might be less informative.

Low or low-normal levels of 5β-Androstanediol may indicate insufficient androgen production, while elevated levels are commonly associated with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or excessive androgen supplementation. Understanding these levels can guide the management of hormonal imbalances and related health conditions.

5b-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-reductase activity).

5B-AD is the result of 5-beta reduction of DHT as well as a metabolite of etiocholanolone.

The most important progesterone metabolite, pregnanediol (PDL), can serve as a urinary marker for endogenous progesterone levels and as an indicator of ovulation. PDL exists as two isomers, 5α-pregnanediol and 5β-pregnanediol. 5β-pregnanediol represents the majority end point of endogenous progesterone metabolism and appears to have little activity within the body, while 5α-pregnanediol, the lesser metabolite of PDL, can cross the blood brain barrier and may partially agonize GABA-A receptors.

5B-PD is the major progesterone metabolite.

Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum following ovulation and to a lesser extent by the adrenal glands in both sexes. While found in the urine in small amounts, progesterone can be seen as a clinical marker of luteul activity and theraputic oral progesterone administration.

The most important progesterone metabolite, pregnanediol (PDL), can serve as a urinary marker for endogenous progesterone levels and as an indicator of ovulation. PDL exists as two isomers, 5α-pregnanediol and 5β-pregnanediol. 5β-pregnanediol represents the majority end point of endogenous progesterone metabolism and appears to have little activity within the body, while 5α-pregnanediol, the lesser metabolite of PDL, can cross the blood brain barrier and may partially agonize GABA-A receptors.

5B-THB is a terminal metabolite of corticosterone. This metabolite in combination with other terminal metabolites can be used to estimate metabolism of corticosterone. While research in elevations or low levels of single terminal metabolites is limited, assessing metabolism may provide valuable information about enzyme activity.

5B-THF is a terminal metabolite of cortisol metabolized via 5-beta reductase. This metabolite along with the other terminal metabolites can be used to determine metabolized cortisol.