Androsterone (5a) / Etiocholanolone (5b) (Pre-menopausal)

check icon Optimal Result: 0.8 - 2.6 Ratio.

The ratio of Androsterone (5a) to Etiocholanolone (5b) in a Human Urinary Metabolic Profile (HUMAP) panel is a critical marker for assessing the balance of androgen metabolism in the body. Androsterone and Etiocholanolone are both metabolites of testosterone and other androgens, but they differ in their origins and physiological impacts. Androsterone, derived predominantly from the metabolism of testosterone, is associated with androgenic properties, playing a role in male characteristics and anabolic functions. In contrast, Etiocholanolone, though also a testosterone metabolite, does not possess androgenic activity and is a product of the 5β-reductase pathway.

The Androsterone/Etiocholanolone ratio is significant in clinical settings because it reflects the predominant pathways of androgen metabolism. A higher ratio suggests a dominance of the 5α-reductase pathway, often associated with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. Conversely, a lower ratio might indicate a higher activity of the 5β-reductase pathway. This ratio is essential for understanding various hormonal disorders and can be a valuable tool in diagnosing and managing conditions related to androgen imbalance. Monitoring this ratio in a HUMAP panel can provide insights into the underlying metabolic processes and help tailor specific therapeutic approaches for conditions influenced by androgen metabolism.

What does it mean if your Androsterone (5a) / Etiocholanolone (5b) (Pre-menopausal) result is too high?

In pre-menopausal women, a high ratio of Androsterone (5a) to Etiocholanolone (5b) in a HUMAP panel suggests an increased activity of the 5α-reductase pathway in androgen metabolism, leading to higher levels of more potent androgens. This shift in androgen metabolism can manifest in various symptoms and conditions typically associated with elevated androgen levels, such as hirsutism, acne, and oily skin. Such a hormonal profile is often observed in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), characterized by hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, fertility issues, and metabolic complications. The high ratio may also reflect on menstrual and reproductive health, impacting regularity of cycles and fertility. Additionally, this hormonal pattern can be indicative of stress-related changes in adrenal function, leading to increased production of adrenal androgens. Liver function, which is integral to hormone metabolism, might also be inferred from this ratio, as any alteration in liver activity can affect hormone levels. However, interpreting this high ratio requires a holistic approach, considering individual variability, lifestyle factors, genetic predispositions, and a comprehensive health evaluation. This should include further hormonal assays, clinical examinations, and a detailed review of symptoms and medical history to understand the full scope and implications of the hormonal imbalance in pre-menopausal women.

All Your Lab Results.
One Simple Dashboard.

What does it mean if your Androsterone (5a) / Etiocholanolone (5b) (Pre-menopausal) result is too low?

A low ratio of Androsterone (5a) to Etiocholanolone (5b) in a Human Urinary Metabolic Profile (HUMAP) panel can indicate a higher activity of the 5β-reductase pathway in androgen metabolism. This shift in metabolic pathway may have several implications:

Reduced Androgenic Activity: Since Androsterone is associated with androgenic effects, a lower ratio, indicating lower levels of Androsterone relative to Etiocholanolone, might suggest reduced androgenic activity in the body. This could be relevant in both men and women, affecting various physiological functions.

Hormonal Imbalances: Such a ratio might be indicative of hormonal imbalances or disorders. In certain conditions, like adrenal disorders or specific enzyme deficiencies, the androgen metabolism can be altered, leading to a different profile in androgen metabolites.

Implications for Specific Conditions: In women, a lower ratio could be significant in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where androgen levels and their metabolism play a crucial role. In men, it might be relevant in understanding conditions related to testosterone metabolism.

Potential Indicator of Liver Function: Since androgen metabolism is also influenced by liver function, a low ratio of Androsterone to Etiocholanolone could potentially indicate altered liver function or liver disease.

Reflects Individual Variability: It's important to note that this ratio can vary widely among individuals due to genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Therefore, interpreting this ratio should always be done in the context of the individual's overall health, hormonal profile, and clinical symptoms.

--------------------

In pre-menopausal women, a low ratio of Androsterone (5a) to Etiocholanolone (5b) in a HUMAP panel can be particularly significant, as it might suggest certain hormonal and metabolic nuances:

Altered Androgen Metabolism: A lower ratio indicates a predominance of the 5β-reductase pathway over the 5α-reductase pathway in androgen metabolism. Since Androsterone is a more potent androgen compared to Etiocholanolone, a lower ratio could suggest reduced androgenic activity. This might be relevant in the context of overall hormonal balance, sexual health, and reproductive function.

Hormonal Balance and Menstrual Health: In pre-menopausal women, hormonal balance is crucial for regular menstrual cycles and overall reproductive health. A low ratio might be associated with hormonal imbalances that could impact menstrual regularity, fertility, and other aspects of reproductive health.

Indicative of Specific Health Conditions: Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other endocrine disorders can affect androgen metabolism. A low ratio might be a marker for such conditions, although it should not be used as a sole diagnostic criterion.

Potential Stress Indicator: Hormonal fluctuations in pre-menopausal women can also be influenced by stress, both physical and psychological. A low Androsterone to Etiocholanolone ratio could potentially reflect the body’s response to stress, as stress can impact adrenal function and consequently androgen metabolism.

Individual Variability and Contextual Interpretation: It's important to remember that individual variability in hormone levels and metabolism is high among women. A low ratio should be interpreted in the context of the individual's overall health, lifestyle factors, and other clinical findings.

Given these points, a low ratio of Androsterone to Etiocholanolone in pre-menopausal women should prompt a comprehensive evaluation, ideally incorporating other hormonal assays, clinical examination, and patient history to arrive at a holistic understanding of the individual's health status.

Laboratories

Bring All Your Lab Results Together — In One Place

We accept reports from any lab, so you can easily collect and organize all your health information in one secure spot.

lab corp logo
genova diagnostics logo
quest diagnostics logo
dutch test logo
doctors data logo
vibrant america logo
diagnostic solutions logo
zrt laboratory logo
the great plains laboratory logo
cyrex laboratories logo
spectracell logo

Pricing Table

decoration

Personal plans

$15/ month

Complete Plan

Access your lab reports, explanations, and tracking tools.

  • Import lab results from any provider
  • Track all results with visual tools
  • Customize your reference ranges
  • Export your full lab history anytime
  • Share results securely with anyone
  • Begin with first report entered
  • Cancel or upgrade anytime

$250/ once

Unlimited Account

Pay once, access everything—no monthly fees, no limits.

  • Import lab results from any provider
  • Track all results with visual tools
  • Customize your reference ranges
  • Export your full lab history anytime
  • Share results securely with anyone
  • Receive 10 reports entered for you
  • Skip the $15/month subscription — no recurring payments ever

$45/ month

Pro Monthly

Designed for professionals managing their clients' lab reports

  • Import lab results from any provider
  • Track lab results for multiple clients
  • Customize reference ranges per client
  • Export lab histories and reports
  • Begin with first report entered by us
  • Cancel or upgrade anytime

About membership

What's included in a Healthmatters membership

microscope icon Import Lab Results from Any Source

person icon See Your Health Timeline

book icon Understand What Your Results Mean

textbook icon

textbook icon Visualize Your Results

folder icon

folder icon

card icon Securely Share With Anyone You Trust

Let Your Lab Results Tell the Full Story

What Healthmatters Members Are Saying

5 stars rating

I have been using Healthmatters.io since 2021. I travel all over the world and use different doctors and health facilities. This site has allowed me to consolidate all my various test results over 14 years in one place. And every doctor that I show this to has been impressed. Because with  any health professional I talk to, I can pull up historical results in seconds. It is invaluable. Even going back to the same doctor, they usually do not have the historical results from their facility in a graph format. That has been very helpful.

Anthony

Unlimited Plan Member since 2021

5 stars rating

What fantastic service and great, easy-to-follow layouts! I love your website; it makes it so helpful to see patterns in my health data. It's truly a pleasure to use. I only wish the NHS was as organized and quick as Healthmatters.io. You've set a new standard for health tracking!

Karin

Advanced Plan Member since 2020

5 stars rating

As a PRO member and medical practitioner, Healthmatters.io has been an invaluable tool for tracking my clients' data. The layout is intuitive, making it easy to monitor trends and spot patterns over time. The ability to customize reports and charts helps me present information clearly to my clients, improving communication and outcomes. It's streamlined my workflow, saving me time and providing insights at a glance. Highly recommended for any practitioner looking for a comprehensive and user-friendly solution to track patient labs!

Paul

Healthmatters Pro Member since 2024

Use promo code to save 10% off any plan.

Frequently asked questions

Healthmatters is a personal health dashboard that helps you organize and understand your lab results. It collects and displays your medical test data from any lab in one secure, easy-to-use platform.

  • Individuals who want to track and understand their health over time.
  • Health professionals, such as doctors, nutritionists, and wellness coaches, need to manage and interpret lab data for their clients.

With a Healthmatters account, you can:

  • Upload lab reports from any lab
  • View your data in interactive graphs, tables, and timelines
  • Track trends and monitor changes over time
  • Customize your reference ranges
  • Export and share your full lab history
  • Access your results anytime, from any device

Professionals can also analyze client data more efficiently and save time managing lab reports.

Healthmatters.io personal account provides in-depth research on 4000+ biomarkers, including information and suggestions for test panels such as, but not limited to:

  • The GI Effects® Comprehensive Stool Profile,
  • GI-MAP,
  • The NutrEval FMV®,
  • The ION Profile,
  • Amino Acids Profile,
  • Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH),
  • Organic Acids Test,
  • Organix Comprehensive Profile,
  • Toxic Metals,
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC),
  • Metabolic panel,
  • Thyroid panel,
  • Lipid Panel,
  • Urinalysis,
  • And many, many more.

You can combine all test reports inside your Healthmatters account and keep them in one place. It gives you an excellent overview of all your health data. Once you retest, you can add new results and compare them.

If you are still determining whether Healthmatters support your lab results, the rule is that if you can test it, you can upload it to Healthmatters.

shield icon

We implement proven measures to keep your data safe.

At HealthMatters, we're committed to maintaining the security and confidentiality of your personal information. We've put industry-leading security standards in place to help protect against the loss, misuse, or alteration of the information under our control. We use procedural, physical, and electronic security methods designed to prevent unauthorized people from getting access to this information. Our internal code of conduct adds additional privacy protection. All data is backed up multiple times a day and encrypted using SSL certificates. See our Privacy Policy for more details.

gdpr compliance image hipaa compliance image