11-deoxycortisol is an adrenal hormone. It is the end product of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHPg) through 21-hydroxylase synthesis and is the immediate precursor of cortisol. Levels of these cortisol precursors and the enzymes that stimulate cortis

The hormone 17-hydroxyprogesterone is produced by the adrenal glands. 17-OHPg is converted to cortisol, which is released in varying amounts, but at particularly high levels during times of physical or emotional stress. A cortisol deficiency can occu

7-keto DHEA (also known as 7-oxo DHEA) is a steroid produced by metabolism of DHEA. It is not directly converted to testosterone or estrogen. 7-keto DHEA is rapidly absorbed when given as a supplement and converted to its sulfate derivative. It

Aldosterone is a mineralcoritcoid and a hormone. It allows the transport of sodium across the cell membrane. This is especially important in the kidney (distal tubule). Because of its function, aldosterone is important in blood pressure regulation an

Allopregnanolone, also known as brexanolone, is a medication and a naturally produced steroid that acts on the brain. Allopregnanolone possesses a wide variety of effects, including, in no particular order, antidepressant, anxiolytic, stress-reducing

Anastrozole is a medication that inhibits the enzyme aromatase to suppress testosterone conversion to estrogens. Anastrozole is used in combination with other treatments for suppressing testosterone conversion to estrogens. It can be used in combi

Androstenedione is secreted predominantly by the adrenal gland and production is controlled, in part, by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). It is also produced in the testes and ovaries from DHEA-S. It is a weak androgen and an intermediate in the&n

Corticosterone, also known as 17-deoxycortisol, is a steroid hormone of the corticosteroid type produced in the cortex of the adrenal glands. Corticosterone has multiple effects on memory. The main effects are seen through the impact of stress on emo

Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stressors, both daily (e.g. waking up, low blood sugar) and unusual (e.g. emotional upset, infections, injury, surgery). Cortisol levels are highest in the morning, and then drop steadily thro

Under the direction of the hypothalamus and pituitary, and controlled by a negative feedback loop, the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex is stimulated to produce cortisol in response to circadian peaks and troughs in ACTH synthesis in addition t

Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stressors, both daily (e.g. waking up, low blood sugar) and unusual (e.g. emotional upset, infections, injury, surgery). Cortisol levels are highest in the morning, and then drop steadily thro

Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stressors, both daily (e.g. waking up, low blood sugar) and unusual (e.g. emotional upset, infections, injury, surgery). Cortisol levels are highest in the morning, and then drop steadily thro

Salivary cortisone is an inert form of cortisol, as is estrone to estradiol. Simultaneous testing for cortisol and cortisone assists in diagnosing acquired or inherited abnormalities of 11β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase, affecting the cortiso

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, is the precursor for estrogens and testosterone, and is therefore normally present in significantly greater quantities than all the other steroid hormones. It is mostly found in

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, is the precursor for estrogens and testosterone, and is therefore normally present in significantly greater quantities than all the other steroid hormones. It is mostly found in

Levels of DHEA-S reflect adrenal gland function. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, is the precursor for estrogens and testosterone, and is therefore normally present in significantly greater quantities than a

Dihydrotestosterone is an endogenous androgen that is formed from testosterone via 5α-reductase activity in certain tissues including the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, epididymis, skin, hair follicles, liver, and brain. DHT, relative to

Estradiol, the most potent of the three primary estrogens (estradiol, estrone, and estriol), plays an essential role in maintaining the health of nearly every tissue in the body, in particular the reproductive tissues, brain, skin, bone, liver,

Estradiol is the predominant, and the most potent, circulating estrogen. Bioavailable estradiol, which represents about 2% of the total protein-bound estradiol in the bloodstream , exits the bloodstream in capillary beds and enters target cells

Estriol is the weakest of the three major naturally-occurring estrogens in women. It is a product of the metabolism of estrone and estradiol and is excreted in the urine in greater amounts than estradiol. Because of its weak estrogenic activity, estr

Estriol is the weakest of the three major naturally-occurring estrogens in women. Estriol is a product of the metabolism of estrone and estradiol. Because of its weak estrogenic activity, estriol is sometimes preferred for intravaginal use as an a

Estrone is one of three main circulating estrogens in humans. Like estradiol, estrone is secreted by the ovaries, but it is also predominantly produced in peripheral tissues by the action of aromatase on its precursor androstenedione. Its estrogenic

Produced by the ovaries, the estrone hormone is one of three types of estrogen, and it is one of the major hormones found in the bodies of postmenopausal women. While research into estrone function is still ongoing, since it is the least powerful of

Ethinyl estradiol is an estrogen receptor agonist commonly used in combined oral contraceptives. It is a synthetic derivative of estradiol. In the liver it stimulates the synthesis of SHBG, increasing SHBG levels by 2- to 4-fold in women, which has t

Finasteride is a 5α-reductase inhibitor used to block the formation of the potent androgen DHT from its precursor, testosterone. It is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia as well as male pattern baldness in men and women, and excessive f

Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor used as an adjuvant treatment for hormone-dependent breast cancer. It inhibits peripheral estrogen production in fat tissues, where it prevents the conversion of testosterone into estradiol. It has similar safety a

Melatonin is a hormone that is produced from the pineal gland in a circadian pattern and plays a role in the initiation of sleep. The production and release of this hormone is connected to the time of day, ideally increasing when it is dark and de

Pregnenolone sulfate is a neurosteroid that enhances the glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-receptor function and inhibits receptors for glycine, GABA, thereby regulating the excitation-inhibition balance in the CNS. It enhances learning and me

Progesterone is manufactured in the ovaries at about 10-30 mg of progesterone each day during the latter half of the menstrual cycle (luteal phase). Younger women with regular cycles generally make adequate progesterone, consistent with their having

Progesterone’s primary function during the menstrual cycle is to induce a secretory endometrium ready for implantation of a fertilized egg. Levels therefore increase during the luteal phase of the cycle after ovulation. If no implantation occur

Progesterone’s primary function during the menstrual cycle is to induce a secretory endometrium ready for implantation of a fertilized egg. Levels therefore increase during the luteal phase of the cycle after ovulation. If no implantation

Optimal: 100-500 when E2 1.3-3.3 pg/mL

This ratio is helpful when both E2 and Pg are within range, yet the patient continues to have symptoms. It is not expected to be normal or used clinically when either E2 and/or Pg are outside of their expected ranges or if the patient does not have c

In men, levels of testosterone begin to decline with age, usually beginning around the mid-40s. The decline in testosterone production by the testes can be more precipitous in some men than others. Excessive weight gain, stress, lack of exercise,

Testosterone levels in saliva are an accepted method for assessment of hypogonadism in men. In women, high testosterone, often caused by ovarian cysts, leads to conditions such as excessive facial and body hair, acne, and oily skin and hair. Low test