Androgen Levels

Androgens from the steroid pathway such as androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are raised in Androgen Secreting Tumours (ASTs). It is these androgens that help distinguish between ASTs and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The earlier androgen precursors from the sex steroid pathway (e.g. 17-hydroxy-progesterone, 17-OHP) are raised more in CAH than in ASTs and increase more after stimulation with ACTH.