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).

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-AD is the result of 5-beta reduction of DHT as well as a metabolite of etiocholanolone.

The most important progesterone metabolite, pregnanediol (PDL), can serve as a urinary marker for endogenous progesterone levels and as an indicator of ovulation. PDL exists as two isomers, 5α-pregnanediol and 5β-pregnanediol. 5β-pregnanediol represents the majority end point of endogenous progesterone metabolism and appears to have little activity within the body, while 5α-pregnanediol, the lesser metabolite of PDL, can cross the blood brain barrier and may partially agonize GABA-A receptors.

5B-PD is the major progesterone metabolite.

Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum following ovulation and to a lesser extent by the adrenal glands in both sexes. While found in the urine in small amounts, progesterone can be seen as a clinical marker of luteul activity and theraputic oral progesterone administration.

The most important progesterone metabolite, pregnanediol (PDL), can serve as a urinary marker for endogenous progesterone levels and as an indicator of ovulation. PDL exists as two isomers, 5α-pregnanediol and 5β-pregnanediol. 5β-pregnanediol represents the majority end point of endogenous progesterone metabolism and appears to have little activity within the body, while 5α-pregnanediol, the lesser metabolite of PDL, can cross the blood brain barrier and may partially agonize GABA-A receptors.

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.

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

Urinary 6-Sulfatoxymelatonin (MT6s) is the main metabolite of melatonin.

Melatonin assists in the body’s sleep/wake cycle and is also a very powerful antioxidant. Primary production is in the pineal gland. The GI mucosa is a significant source secondary production, with retina, bone marrow, platelets, skin, and lymphocytes all producing smaller amounts. GI-produced melatonin has paracrine effects (=affects adjacent cells) and does not enter general circulation. MT6s itself has no physiologic activity, but is a good indicator of whole body melatonin production. Low urinary MT6s is an indication for melatonin supplementation. It is normal to see elevated urinary values with supplemented doses higher than 1mg.

Two types of antibodies are detected in the Western blot test.

This particular marker is called 66 KD (IGG) Band and hence is a IgG antibody marker. IgG antibodies are a sign of an older infection. In contrast, IgM antibodies reflect a relatively recent infection. 

IgM antibodies usually disappear after eight weeks post-exposure. 
IgG remains in the serum for a very long time. 

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 is commonly used to produce the metabolic effects of DHEA while avoiding metabolism into estrogens or androgens, and clinical research supports its role in benefiting metabolism and weight management. Endogenous 7-keto DHEA may have some anticortisol activity through enzyme competition which in the case of hypercortisolism may be beneficial to the adverse effects of cortisol on metabolic syndrome. Most studies on 7-keto DHEA are on improving the metabolic rate where there appears to be improvement in metabolism despite being on a low caloric diet. There is also limited information that 7-keto DHEA may act to increase levels of T3 while patients are on a caloric restricted diet.