What is Androsterone And Why Does the Hormone Zoomer Test for It?

Androgen metabolite marker

Androsterone is a urinary metabolite formed when the body breaks down androgens such as testosterone and DHT. It reflects androgen turnover and clearance rather than direct hormone activity. Tracking androsterone helps reveal patterns in sex-hormone metabolism when viewed alongside other panel markers.

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Androsterone

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About Androsterone

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About Androsterone

Overview and History

Androsterone is a steroid catabolite produced by enzymatic reduction of androgens followed by conjugation in the liver and peripheral tissues. It is usually measured in urine as a glucuronide or sulfate conjugate and represents downstream processing of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Historically, androsterone was identified as a major urinary androgen metabolite and has been used in biochemical studies of sex-hormone pathways. Its core biological role is as an end product of androgen metabolism, so concentrations provide information about how much androgenic material is being produced and how efficiently it is being cleared.

Interpreting Highs and Lows

Higher-than-expected androsterone can be associated with increased androgen production, enhanced peripheral conversion of precursors, exogenous androgen exposure, or changes in clearance pathways. Lower-than-expected values can reflect reduced androgen synthesis, diminished adrenal or gonadal contribution, or altered metabolic conversion and excretion. Interpretation depends on the full Hormone Zoomer profile — including other androgen metabolites, parent hormones, adrenal markers, sex, age, and urine concentration — because a single value does not define cause on its own.

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Androsterone is included in the Hormone Zoomer to map androgen production and clearance at the metabolite level. It helps distinguish whether patterns reflect increased androgen generation, altered peripheral metabolism, or clearance issues, informing a more precise view of hormonal balance and metabolic pathways.

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Androsterone FAQs

What is Androsterone and why is it important?

Androsterone is a breakdown product of testosterone and DHT that appears in urine. It matters because it gives a window into how much androgenic material the body is producing and how it is being metabolized and cleared. When combined with other markers, it helps clinicians understand broader hormone and metabolism patterns.

What does it mean if my Androsterone levels are low?

Low androsterone suggests less net androgen turnover or altered conversion and excretion. That pattern can occur with lower androgen production, changes in enzyme activity, or faster clearance of upstream hormones. Results are most informative when compared with other androgen and adrenal markers on the full panel.

What does it mean if my Androsterone levels are high?

Elevated androsterone can indicate increased androgen exposure, greater peripheral conversion of androgen precursors, exogenous sources, or reduced clearance. Higher values should be interpreted alongside testosterone, DHT, other metabolites, and clinical context to clarify the underlying pattern.

Why is Androsterone measured in the Hormone Zoomer?

Measuring androsterone helps assess androgen metabolism and elimination rather than just hormone production. Within the Hormone Zoomer, it complements parent hormones and other metabolites to reveal whether androgen patterns are driven by production, conversion, or clearance, supporting more targeted interpretation.

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