Androstenedione

Androstenedione is a 19-carbon steroid hormone produced in the adrenal glands and the gonads as an intermediate step in the biochemical pathway that produces the androgen testosterone and the estrogens estrone and estradiol. It is the common precursor of male and female sex hormones. Some androstenedione is also secreted into the plasma, and may be converted in peripheral tissues to testosterone and estrogens.

Related Topics:
Carbon - Steroid - Hormone - Adrenal gland - Gonad - Biochemical - Androgen - Testosterone - Estrogen - Estrone - Estradiol - Precursor - Sex hormones - Plasma

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Androstenedione originates either from conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone or from 17-hydroxyprogesterone. It is further converted to either testosterone or estrone.

Related Topics:
Dehydroepiandrosterone - Progesterone - Testosterone - Estrone

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The production of adrenal androstenedione is governed by ACTH, while production of gonadal androstenedione is under control by gonadotropins. In premenopausal women the adrenal glands and ovaries each produce about half of the total androstendione (about 3 mg/day). After menopause

Related Topics:
ACTH - Gonadotropin - Menopause

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androstenedione production is about halved, primarily due to the reduction of steroid secreted by the ovary. Nevertheless, androstenedione is the prinipal steroid produced by the postmenopausal ovary.

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