Steroid/Androgen Profile for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Test
Short Name: PCOS Steroid/Androgen Profile
Also known as: Androgen Profile, PCOS Hormone Panel, Adrenal Androgen Profile, Testosterone, DHEAS and Androstenedione Panel
Steroid/Androgen Profile for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹4,500. Uses LC-MS/MS on Serum samples. Results in Samples accepted Monday and Thursday by 9 am; reports are delivered Wednesday and Saturday respectively.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Ramarao Paidisetty
Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The purpose of this test is to support the diagnostic workup of PCOS by measuring levels of three androgens - total testosterone, androstenedione, and DHEAS - using LC-MS/MS. Hyperandrogenism is one of the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS and measurement of testosterone is recommended in all current clinical guidelines. Since direct immunoassay testosterone levels can overlap between women with and without PCOS, measuring additional steroids such as androstenedione and DHEAS can improve diagnostic confidence and provide insight into metabolic risk. The profile helps identify whether the androgen excess is primarily ovarian, adrenal, or mixed, guiding further evaluation and management.
- Test Code
- 3670
- ICD Code
- E28.2
- Price
- ₹4,500
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- Samples accepted Monday and Thursday by 9 am; reports are delivered Wednesday and Saturday respectively.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- LC-MS/MS
Sample Collection
Schedule the test between 8-10 am or 4-6 pm. No strict fasting is required. Inform your doctor and the lab staff about any medications, hormonal contraceptives, or supplements, as they may affect androgen levels.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
A trained phlebotomist will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. The procedure is quick and usually takes a few minutes.
Report Delivery
You may resume normal activities immediately. You may apply pressure to the puncture site for a short time to minimize bruising.
Timeline: Samples accepted Monday and Thursday by 9 am; reports are delivered Wednesday and Saturday respectively.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The purpose of this test is to support the diagnostic workup of PCOS by measuring levels of three androgens - total testosterone, androstenedione, and DHEAS - using LC-MS/MS. Hyperandrogenism is one of the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS and measurement of testosterone is recommended in all current clinical guidelines. Since direct immunoassay testosterone levels can overlap between women with and without PCOS, measuring additional steroids such as androstenedione and DHEAS can improve diagnostic confidence and provide insight into metabolic risk. The profile helps identify whether the androgen excess is primarily ovarian, adrenal, or mixed, guiding further evaluation and management.
How to Prepare
- Use a Red Top (No Additive) tube. Do not use SST gel barrier tubes.
- Specify the exact collection time and date on the specimen container and test request form.
- Ship the sample refrigerated or frozen after collection.
- Bring the sample to the lab as soon as possible; room temperature transport up to 8 hours is acceptable.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Ramarao Paidisetty — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504
"A steroid/androgen profile should be interpreted together with the full Rotterdam criteria and is not a standalone test for PCOS."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Use of SST gel barrier tube
- Missing collection time or date on the specimen container or request form
- Sample collected outside the specified diurnal collection window
- Sample received outside the stability time
Understanding Your Results
Supports biochemical hyperandrogenism. In a woman with oligo/anovulation or polycystic ovaries, this supports a PCOS diagnosis by Rotterdam criteria.
Does not rule out PCOS; PCOS can still be diagnosed if the other two Rotterdam criteria are present.
Suggests an adrenal contribution to androgen excess; further adrenal evaluation may be needed if the level is significantly high.
May be the only elevated androgen in some PCOS cases; supports hyperandrogenemia when total testosterone is normal.
Requires further evaluation to rule out non-PCOS causes such as androgen-secreting tumors or adrenal disorders.
Consult a gynecologist or endocrinologist if you have irregular periods, signs of excess hair growth or acne, difficulty conceiving, or an abnormal androgen profile. These symptoms and results require clinical correlation.
Limitations
- ⚠This profile evaluates only biochemical hyperandrogenism and cannot independently confirm PCOS.
- ⚠Reference intervals are age-, sex-, and assay-specific; values must be interpreted with the laboratory's validated range.
- ⚠A normal androgen profile does not exclude PCOS.
- ⚠DHEAS values decline with age; age-specific interpretation is required.
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minor pain or bruising at the needle site
- ●Dizziness or lightheadedness during collection
- ●Small risk of infection or prolonged bleeding at the puncture site
Interfering Factors
- ●Collection outside the specified 8-10 am or 4-6 pm window can cause misleading levels due to diurnal variation.
- ●Use of hormonal contraceptives, oral steroids, or anti-androgens may lower or alter androgen values.
- ●SST gel barrier tubes are not acceptable for this test and may interfere with the assay.
- ●Pregnancy and lactation change androgen physiology.
- ●Stress and acute illness can affect adrenal androgen production.
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Steroid/Androgen Profile for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Test | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Steroid/Androgen Profile for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
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