Lab marker · High

High Androstenedione (A4): what it means

A Androstenedione (A4) result above the normal range is considered high. Here is what a raised Androstenedione (A4) can point to, and when it is worth discussing with a doctor.

Reference range: ~30–200 ng/dL (varies by sex and assay); an androgen precursor made by the ovaries and adrenal glands — used with testosterone and DHEAS to work up androgen excess (e.g. PCOS, adrenal causes)

Understand your full result

What a high Androstenedione (A4) can mean

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — often raised along with testosterone.
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia — rises with 17-hydroxyprogesterone in these inherited adrenal enzyme disorders.
  • An androgen-producing tumour — of the ovary or adrenal gland; a markedly high level is a red flag.
  • Cushing's syndrome or other adrenal overactivity.

When to discuss with a doctor

Androstenedione is a specialist test used mainly when investigating androgen excess in women — symptoms such as hirsutism, acne, thinning scalp hair or irregular periods — rather than as a routine hormone. Its value is in helping locate the source of extra androgens: it is read alongside testosterone and free testosterone (the overall androgen burden), DHEAS (which points to the adrenal glands), and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (which flags inherited adrenal enzyme disorders). A high androstenedione supports conditions such as PCOS or congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and a markedly raised level prompts looking for an androgen-producing tumour. Mediora.AI shows androstenedione alongside testosterone, DHEAS and 17-hydroxyprogesterone so the androgen-source pattern reads together; the interpretation belongs with your doctor or endocrinologist.

Keep reading

One value is a snapshot. Upload the full test to see every marker explained together.

Upload your test - free

Mediora.AI is informational - interpretation, not a diagnosis. A single out-of-range value is common and often benign; always discuss decisions with your doctor.