Etiocholanolone

When etiocholanolone levels are high, the following symptoms may result:

- Inflammation 

- Hot flashes

- Fever

- Increased activity in the white blood cells

- Low levels of iron

- High levels of C-reactive protein

- IL-1 and IL-6 lymphocyte activation

- Autoimmune conditions

Etiocholanolone levels may be high in these situations:

- PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)

- Oversupplementation of DHEA and pregnenalone 

- Androgen producing gonadal tumors

- Adult onset or congenital adrenal hyperplasia

- Serious illness / shock – burns

If Etiocholanolone levels are high AND overall DHEA levels are high, please refer to the DHEA biomarker in your test for more information.

If Etiocholanolone levels are low, but overall DHEA levels are OK, it could mean that the preferred metabolic pathway for your androgens is the 5-alpha pathway (and not the preferred 5b pathway). The 5-alpha pathway leads to DHT which is 3 times more potent than testosterone and could lead to symptoms in women like facial hair, thinning scalp hair, acne, irritation and anger. Please look at your Androsterone marker and see if it elevated. If the metabolic preference is towards that 5-alpha metabolic pathway (Androsterone = high), we can look at the following supplements that are natural 5-alpha blockers. Please discuss any supplement routine with your doctor first:

- saw palmetto

- stinging nettle

- zinc

- EGCG from green tea

- reishi mushroom 

- pygeum africanum

If Etiocholanolone levels are low AND overall DHEA levels are low, please refer to the DHEA biomarker in your test for more information.

Etiocholanolone 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.