Androstenedione

Androstenedione (androst-4-ene-3,17-dione) - C21H30O2 - male sex hormone of steroid structure, an intermediate product in the synthesis of testosterone; precursor of estrone. Named for a compound with the same formula and bivalent structure, androstenediol. Androstenedione's mode of action can be described as a precursor in the endocrine system, which can no longer be understood as a complete compound. It has been suggested that androstenediones and androstenols act as intermediates in the metabolism of steroid hormones, where estrogen hormones, such as estrone, are formed from other compounds and, presumably, can, in turn, affect the female body. Tests have shown that the content of androstenediones and androstenes is within normal limits in the bodies of women, as well as in some men. Under physiological conditions, these substances enter the bloodstream from subcutaneous fatty tissue and laryngeal cartilage, but it has not been precisely determined whether this route is the only source of androstenedians. However, the effects in humans have not been studied, so it is best to limit the effects to inferences based on the literature and discussion of estrogen metabolism.