11-Keto-androsterone (FMV urine, menopause)

Higher level of Total 17-Ketosteroids may be associated with:

- DHEA, androstenedione, or testosterone supplementation

- High protein- or high calorie diet

- PCOS (especially with obesity) and/or hirsutism and/or acne

- Low sex-hormone binding globulin (e.g., from hyperinsulinemia or hypothyroidism)

- Aromatase inhibitors

- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

- Tumors of adrenals, ovaries, or testes

TREATMENT OPTIONS to decrease Total 17-Ketosteroids:

- Improve insulin sensitivity.

- Correct thyroid imbalances.

Please talk to your doctor before starting any treatments.

Lower level of Total 17-Ketosteroids may be associated with:

- Acute or chronic stress

- Aging, DHEA deficiency

- Excessive conversion of androgens to estrogens 

- High estrogen level or estrogen replacement including oral contraceptives (can increase sex-hormone binding globulin, which reduces the amount of bioavailable androgens)

- Smoking, chronic alcohol ingestion

- Diabetes mellitus

- Ketoconazole, metformin, troglitazone

TREATMENT OPTIONS to increase Total 17-Ketosteroids:

- Stress management

- Increase dietary protein.

- Address aromatase imbalances.

- Consider supplementation with DHEA (15-100 mg/day) or other androgens.

Please talk to your doctor before starting any treatments.

11-Keto-androsterone is a that is an end product of androgen catabolism.

In the Genova complete hormone test this marker is part of the "Total 17-ketosteroids" group.

Androgens are important hormones in the health of both men and women. Testosterone and DHEA are metabolized into what is collectively known as the 17-ketosteroids (DHEA is formally included as a 17-ketosteroid). Together, these markers provide a comprehensive assessment of androgen sufficiency, as well as evaluating the need for, and monitoring of, androgen hormone therapy.