Metabolites of progesterone are measured in urine, including 5b-pregnanediol and 5a-pregnanediol. 5b-pregnanediol is inactive in the body but is the major metabolite of progesterone. 5a-pregnanediol is often a metabolite of more interest, as it can cross the blood brain barrier and up-regulate GABA activity and is considered neuroprotective to the brain. Both taken together represent the major metabolic end points for progesterone and can be used to represent total progesterone production.

The Etiocholanolone/Androsterone (E/A) Ratio assesses androgen metabolism by comparing the enzymatic activity of 5β-reductase/5α-reductase.

5B-THB is a terminal metabolite of corticosterone. This metabolite in combination with other terminal metabolites can be used to estimate metabolism of corticosterone. While research in elevations or low levels of single terminal metabolites is limited, assessing metabolism may provide valuable information about enzyme activity.

5a-Tetrahydrocorticosterone (5a-THB) is a lesser-known metabolite of cortisol, and its measurement on a HUMAP panel can provide valuable insights, particularly for pre-menopausal females.

5a-THB is a part of the complex hormonal interplay within the body and serves as an indicator of not just adrenal function but also of the body's overall response to stress and metabolic processes.

5A-THF is a terminal metabolite of cortisol metabolized via 5-alpha reductase. This metabolite along with the other terminal metabolites can be used to determine metabolized cortisol.

5α-Tetrahydrocortisol (5α-THF), a crucial adrenal metabolite, is an essential marker in the Comprehensive 24-Hour Urine Steroid Hormone Profile Test, particularly for evaluating male adrenal function and stress response. 5α-THF, a metabolite derived from cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, provides a key insight into cortisol metabolism and adrenal gland health in men. The 24-hour urine collection method for assessing 5α-THF levels offers a comprehensive overview of daily cortisol activity, which is vital for understanding the body’s response to stress and overall adrenal function.

The relationship of the cortisol metabolites (5-alpha THF + THF) to cortisone metabolite (THE) is another tool in the assessment of the dominance of active cortisol or inactive cortisone.

The 5A-THF/5B-THF ratio is a calculation used to show the preference of 5-alpha reductase activity to 5-beta reductase activity. While research is limited in the significance of 5-alpha or 5-beta reductase activity in the glucocorticoids, it can serve as an additional screening tool for overall preference for 5-alpha or 5-beta reductase activity within the androgen and progesterone pathways.

5β-Androstanediol is a metabolite of testosterone formed through the 5β-DHT pathway. It plays a role in assessing androgen metabolism and provides insights into 5β-reductase activity. Measuring this metabolite, along with others like 5α-Androstanediol, Androsterone, and Etiocholanolone, helps evaluate overall androgen status, especially in individuals with low DHEA or testosterone levels, where direct hormone measurements might be less informative.

Low or low-normal levels of 5β-Androstanediol may indicate insufficient androgen production, while elevated levels are commonly associated with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or excessive androgen supplementation. Understanding these levels can guide the management of hormonal imbalances and related health conditions.

5b-Androstanediol is a testosterone metabolite that is less androgenic than 5a-DHT and 5a-Androstanediol. It is metabolized via the 5-beta metabolic pathway. In contrast, the 5-alpha metabolism makes androgens more potent (= increased 5α-reductase activity).

5b-Androstanediol is a testosterone metabolite that is less androgenic than 5a-DHT and 5a-Androstanediol. It is metabolized via the 5-beta metabolic pathway. In contrast, the 5-alpha metabolism makes androgens more potent (= increased 5α-reductase activity).