A'ndrostenedione is a steroid raw powder hormone which is used for pharmaceutical, and is the common precursor of male and female sex hormones. Some a'ndrostenedione is also secreted into the plasma, and may be converted in peripheral tissues to test and estrogens.

A'ndrostenedione can be synthesized in one of two ways. The primary pathway involves conversion of 17-hydroxypregnenolone to dehydroepian'drosterone by way of 17,20-lyase, with subsequent conversion ofdehydroepian'drosterone to a'ndrostenedione via the enzyme 3-hydroxyste dehydrogenase. The secondary pathway involves conversion of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, most often a precursor to cortiso, to a'ndrostenedione directly by way of 17,20-lyase. Thus, 17,20-lyase is required for the synthesis of a'ndrostenedione, whether immediately or one step removed.

The production of adrenal a'ndrostenedione is governed by ACTH, whereas production of gonadal a'ndrostenedione is under control by g'onadotropins. In premenopausal women, the adrenal glands and ovaries each produce about half of the total a'ndrostenedione(about 3 mg/day). After menopause, a'ndrostenedione production is about halved, due primarily to the reduction of the steroid raw powder secreted by the ovary. Nevertheless, a'ndrostenedione is the principal steroid produced by the postmenopausal ovary.

4-A'ndrostenedione is further converted to either test or estrogen.

In males, conversion of a'ndrostenedione to test requires the enzyme 17β-hydroxyste dehydrogenase.

In females, a'ndrostenedione is released into the blood by theca cells. Conversion of a'ndrostenedione to estrogen (e.g., estrone and estradiol) requires the enzyme aromatase. A'ndrostenedione is a substrate for estrogen production in granulosa cells which produce aromatase. Thus, theca cells and granulosa cells work together to form estrogens.

Used for simplified hormone drugs, from the testis or urine extracted with the role of a male hormone steroid, n'orethisterone, test pr in the middle body, is widely used in small rheumatoid arthritis, diuretic, and a variety of contraceptive to control infectious inflammation.