The Experts below are selected from a list of 258 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform

Michael Heistermann - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • repeated freeze thaw cycles but not short term storage of fecal extracts at ambient temperature influence the stability of Steroid Metabolite levels in crested macaques
    Jurnal Kedokteran Hewan - Indonesian Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 2017
    Co-Authors: Gholib Gholib, Michael Heistermann, Muhammad Agil, Iman Supriatna, Bambang Purwantara, Antje Engelhardt
    Abstract:

    The objective of this study was to examine the effects of repeated freeze-thaw cycles and short-term storage of fecal extracts at ambient temperature on the stability of fecal glucocorticoid (fGCM) and estrogen Metabolite (fEM) levels from crested macaques.In total 100 aliquots of fecal extracts from fecal samples collected from female crested macaques (Macaca nigra) living at the Tangkoko-Batuangus Nature Reserve, North Sulawesi were used. We performed two different experiments: (1) An experiment to investigate if levels of fGCM and fEM measured from fecal extracts that were exposed to two, four, six and eight repeated freeze-thaw cycles (test groups) differ to control samples (i.e. fecal extracts always stored frozen); (2) An experiment to evaluate whether storing fecal extracts at ambient temperature for two, four, six, and eight days (test groups)affects the levels of fGCM and fEM compared to the control group (i.e. fecal extracts frozen immediately).Results showed that hormone levels were significantly increased (P 0.05) in levels of fGCM and fEM between the test groups and the control group in fecal extracts stored at ambient temperature. In conclusion, our data show that more than two and six repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided when measuring fGCM and fEM in crested macaque fecal extracts, respectively. We also demonstrate that storing fecal extracts at ambient temperature is possible for at least 8 days without taking a risk of affecting the stability of fGCM and fEM levels.

  • long term storage effects in Steroid Metabolite extracts from baboon papio sp faeces a comparison of three commonly applied storage methods
    Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 2013
    Co-Authors: Urs Kalbitzer, Michael Heistermann
    Abstract:

    Summary The measurement of Steroid hormone Metabolites from faeces in wild animal populations is a powerful, noninvasive tool in behavioural endocrinology of all major vertebrate taxa. However, because such research is often done in remote areas with limited infrastructure, storage of samples for hormone analysis over long periods at high temperature is a critical issue in field endocrinology. Previous studies have indicated that storage of alcoholic faecal extracts is more reliable than storage of unprocessed faeces if no freezer is available, but a standard method has not been established yet. We tested the validity of three commonly applied storage conditions – liquid extracts, dried extracts and extracts placed on solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges – to preserve concentrations of glucocorticoid and androgen Metabolites from faecal extracts of olive baboons (Papio anubis) at high temperature over 1 year. Temporal variation in concentrations was detected for all Metabolites and all storage conditions, including values measured from the control condition, that is, extracts stored at −20°C. This suggested that most variation was due to interassay variability, corroborated by comparisons of variation in ‘quality controls’ and samples. Compared to frozen control samples, liquid extracts were stable for up to 24 weeks, extracts on SPE cartridges were stable for up to 50 weeks, while Steroid Metabolite concentrations in dried extracts decreased slightly over time. If Steroid samples have to be stored at ambient temperature, we suggest storage of liquid extracts for up to 24 weeks in a dark and cool place. For longer periods, SPE cartridges should be applied as evaporation, a potential confound arising with long-term storage of liquid extracts at higher temperatures, is not a problem in this storage condition. Storage of dried extracts is more cost-effective, but may result in small time-dependent changes in Steroid concentrations.

  • Long‐term storage effects in Steroid Metabolite extracts from baboon (Papio sp.) faeces – a comparison of three commonly applied storage methods
    Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 2013
    Co-Authors: Urs Kalbitzer, Michael Heistermann
    Abstract:

    Summary The measurement of Steroid hormone Metabolites from faeces in wild animal populations is a powerful, noninvasive tool in behavioural endocrinology of all major vertebrate taxa. However, because such research is often done in remote areas with limited infrastructure, storage of samples for hormone analysis over long periods at high temperature is a critical issue in field endocrinology. Previous studies have indicated that storage of alcoholic faecal extracts is more reliable than storage of unprocessed faeces if no freezer is available, but a standard method has not been established yet. We tested the validity of three commonly applied storage conditions – liquid extracts, dried extracts and extracts placed on solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges – to preserve concentrations of glucocorticoid and androgen Metabolites from faecal extracts of olive baboons (Papio anubis) at high temperature over 1 year. Temporal variation in concentrations was detected for all Metabolites and all storage conditions, including values measured from the control condition, that is, extracts stored at −20°C. This suggested that most variation was due to interassay variability, corroborated by comparisons of variation in ‘quality controls’ and samples. Compared to frozen control samples, liquid extracts were stable for up to 24 weeks, extracts on SPE cartridges were stable for up to 50 weeks, while Steroid Metabolite concentrations in dried extracts decreased slightly over time. If Steroid samples have to be stored at ambient temperature, we suggest storage of liquid extracts for up to 24 weeks in a dark and cool place. For longer periods, SPE cartridges should be applied as evaporation, a potential confound arising with long-term storage of liquid extracts at higher temperatures, is not a problem in this storage condition. Storage of dried extracts is more cost-effective, but may result in small time-dependent changes in Steroid concentrations.

Norman F. Taylor - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Steroid metabolism and excretion in severe anorexia nervosa effects of refeeding
    The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2011
    Co-Authors: Wassif S Wassif, Declan M Mcloughlin, Royce P Vincent, Simon Conroy, Gerald Russell, Norman F. Taylor
    Abstract:

    Background: To our knowledge, changes in Steroid metabolism in subjects with anorexia nervosa (AN) after weight gain have not been elucidated. Objective: We characterized urinary Steroid excretion and metabolism in AN patients and investigated the effects of refeeding. Design: In an intervention study, we recruited 7 women with lifethreatening weight loss upon admission and after a median [interquartile range (IQR)] of 95 d (88–125 d) of intensive refeeding; 15 age-matched women were recruited as control subjects. The major urinary Metabolites were quantified in 24-h collections by capillary gas chromatography. A single examiner measured weights, heights, and skinfold thicknesses. Results: The median (IQR) age of patients was 24 y (21–26 y), and the duration of AN was 4.0 y (3.3–8.0 y). Body mass index (BMI; in kg/m 2 ) increased from 12.8 (12.7–13.1) to 18.6 (18.0–19.6) after refeeding (P , 0.0001). Steroid values [median pre-, post-refeeding values (P value)] were as follows: androgen Metabolites [472, 1017 lg/24 h (0.93)], cortisol Metabolites [1960, 3912 lg/24 h (0.60)], and ratios of androsterone (5a)/etiocholanolone (5b) [0.28, 0.63 (,0.001)], 5a-/5b-tetrahydrocortisol [0.20, 0.48 (0.02)], tetrahydrocortisols/tetrahydrocortisone [0.87, 0.61 (0.09)], 20-hydroxy-/20oxocortisol Metabolites [0.29, 0.47 (0.01)], and 20a-/20b-reduced cortisol Metabolites [1.18, 1.89 (1.00)]. BMI change was positively correlated with 5a-/5b-tetrahydrocortisol (r = 0.95, P , 0.001). Before refeeding, the following Metabolites were lower in patients than in control subjects: androsterone, 5a-tetrahydrocortisol, a-cortolone and a-cortol, 5a-/5b-tetrahydrocortisol, androsterone/etiocholanolone, and 20-hydroxy/20-oxocortisol (all P , 0.05). After refeeding, all Steroid Metabolites in patients were at concentrations that were comparable with those in control subjects. Conclusions: Significant changes in urine Steroid-Metabolite excretion occurred upon starvation, which were reversed upon refeeding. For cortisol, there were decreases in 5a-/5b-tetrahydrocortisol and 20-hydroxy-/20-oxoMetabolites; and for androgen, there was a decrease in androsterone/etiocholanolone. Am J Clin Nutr doi: 10. 3945/ajcn.111.012666.

  • Reference intervals of urinary Steroid Metabolites using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in Chinese adults.
    Steroids, 2008
    Co-Authors: Angel O.k. Chan, Norman F. Taylor, S.c. Tiu, C.c. Shek
    Abstract:

    Abstract Background Urinary Steroid profiling by GC or GC–MS are established clinical tools to complement other biochemical tests in the diagnosis and investigation of a wide range of adrenocortical disorders, but normative data on adults using the more specific GC–MS are lacking. Our objective was to set up the reference intervals of commonly detected urinary Steroid Metabolites as well as marker Metabolites seen in disease states. Method Apparently healthy adult Chinese males and females were recruited by completing health questionnaires. A 24-h urine specimen was collected from all the participants for urinary Steroid profiling by GC–MS in cyclic scan mode. The analyzer was calibrated by using authentic Steroid standards. Statistical methods recommended by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards were followed for setting up the reference intervals of various Steroid Metabolites. After outliers were excluded, the data were tested for the necessity to partition into sex-, menopausal status- and age-specific reference intervals. Results 83 males and 89 females were recruited for the study. Necessity to partition into sex-specific reference intervals was demonstrated for almost all Steroid Metabolites. Menopausal status and age also had a significant impact on Steroid Metabolite excretion, making separate reference intervals necessary. Conclusions We have set up the normative data on the levels of urinary Steroid Metabolite excretion in Chinese adults for future reference in patient management and research in Steroid metabolism.

  • the effect of growth hormone replacement therapy on cortisol cortisone interconversion in hypopituitary adults evidence for growth hormone modulation of extrarenal 11β hydroxySteroid dehydrogenase activity
    Clinical Endocrinology, 1998
    Co-Authors: S V Gelding, Norman F. Taylor, P J Wood, K Noonan, Jolanta U Weaver, D F Wood, John P Monson
    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVE Growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy in hypopituitary adults has been associated with a decreased urinary ratio of 11-hydroxy/11-oxo-cortisol Metabolites (CoM). This could result from GH regulation of the activity of hepatic or renal 11 beta-hydroxySteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta-HSD1 and 2), the enzymes responsible for cortisol-cortisone interconversion, or alternatively it might reflect decreased cortisol availability. To elucidate this, we examined the effect of GH on urinary cortisol, cortisone and cortisol Metabolites in hypopituitary adults at increasing doses of hydrocortisone replacement. DESIGN Patients received increasing twice daily doses of hydrocortisone (HC) (10/10, 20/10, 40/20 mg) each week, before and during 2 months of GH replacement (0.25 U/kg/week). PATIENTS Seven hypopituitary adults (three men and four women, age range 47-64 years) with combined GH and ACTH deficiency. Three additional patients with GH deficiency, but intact ACTH reserve, were also studied. MEASUREMENTS Urine Steroid Metabolite profiles were measured in 24-hour urine collections by gas chromatography after each week of treatment. Urinary free cortisol and free cortisone were measured by radioimmunoassay as a measure of renal 11 beta-HSD-2 activity. RESULTS Total urinary CoM increased with rising doses of HC, but at each particular HC dose, were unchanged after GH (before versus after GH, median (range): 9.67 (7.86-12.59) versus 9.93 (8.31-14.08); 15.87 (12.37-31.39) versus 17.07 (12.64-23.81); 26.68 (19.07-42.14) versus 26.77 (8.01-37.62) mg/24 hours). The urine ratio 11-hydroxy/11-oxo-CoM decreased significantly with GH treatment, at each HC dose schedule (1.22 (1.02-1.96) versus 0.92 (0.83-1.63) P = 0.018; 1.53 (1.30-2.23) versus 1.23 (0.93-1.46) P = 0.018; 1.87 (1.45-2.70) versus 1.56 (1.22-1.79) P = 0.018). The urinary ratio tetrahydrocortisols/tetrahydrocortisone, an alternative index of 11 beta-HSD activity, also fell with GH therapy at each HC dose (P = 0.049; P = 0.018; P = 0.043). In contrast, the urinary 20-hydroxy/20-oxo-CoM ratio exhibited a small increase with GH, suggesting that the changes observed above were not simply due to changes in redox status. The patients with GH deficiency, but intact ACTH reserve, demonstrated changes in urine Steroid profiles similar to the group receiving hydrocortisone replacement. Urinary free cortisone and urinary free cortisol/free cortisone ratios did not change with GH therapy, but the serum cortisol/ cortisone ratio fell significantly with GH therapy at each hydrocortisone dose. CONCLUSIONS GH therapy decreases the urinary ratios 11-hydroxy/11-oxo-cortisol Metabolites and tetrahydrocortisols/tetrahydrocortisone, but not urinary free cortisone or the urinary free cortisol/free cortisone ratio. This effect is not secondary to reduced cortisol availability. These findings provide further evidence for direct or indirect modulation of cortisol metabolism by growth hormone and suggest that this occurs at hepatic or an alternative site of 11 beta-hydroxySteroid dehydrogenase-1 activity.

Syed Faisal Ahmed - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • G97 RANGE OF URINARY Steroid Metabolite RATIOS IN CHILDREN UNDERGOING INVESTIGATION FOR SUSPECTED DISORDERS OF Steroid SYNTHESIS
    Archives of Disease in Childhood, 2013
    Co-Authors: Angela K Lucas-herald, Malcolm Donaldson, Martina Rodie, David Shapiro, Jane Mcneilly, M Guftar Shaikh, N Liu, K Rankin, N Watson, Syed Faisal Ahmed
    Abstract:

    Background Calculation of a urinary Steroid Metabolite ratio (uSMR) may be a useful method of improving diagnostic yield when investigating disorders of Steroid hormone synthesis. Objective and hypothesis: To investigate the range of uSMR in children with suspected disorders of Steroid hormone synthesis. Population/Methods Ten ratios were calculated on Steroid Metabolite data analysed by GC-MS in urine samples collected between 2008–2010 from 219 children who were undergoing investigations. To obtain reference data, urine samples were also analysed in 89 children with no background of endocrine concerns and who had a urine sample collected at presentation to the hospital with an acute illness. Results Of the 89 reference children, 36(40%) were male and median age at time of the test was 3 yrs(range,1month-11yrs). Of the 219 endocrine patients, 64(29%) were boys. In 129(59%) cases, a urine sample was collected to investigate early or exaggerated signs of adrenarche. Median age at test was 7.4yrs(1day-18yrs). Median and ranges of 2 Steroid ratios used in the diagnosis of 21-hydroxylase deficiency are demonstrated in the Table. Abbreviations: 17HP: 17-hydroxypregnanolone, PT: pregnanetriolone, THE: tetrahydrocortisone, THF: tetrahydrocortisol. Conclusions These novel data show that reference ranges for urinary Steroid Metabolite data need to be age matched. Most children with suspected disorders of Steroid synthesis have a ratio which is within the reference range and the identification of outliers will lead to better targeting of genetic analyses.

  • Exploring the utility of urine Steroid Metabolite ratios in evaluating over 500 suspected cases of disorders of sex hormone synthesis
    Archives of Disease in Childhood, 2012
    Co-Authors: Martina Rodie, Malcolm Donaldson, David Shapiro, M Guftar Shaikh, N Liu, K Rankin, R Howarth, Syed Faisal Ahmed
    Abstract:

    Background Calculation of a urinary Steroid Metabolite ratio (uSMR) may be a useful method of improving diagnostic yield when investigating disorders of Steroid hormone synthesis. Objective and hypothesis To determine the range of uSMR and the relationship between the uSMR and the diagnostic outcome in abnormal cases. Population/methods Ten ratios were calculated on Steroid Metabolite data previously analysed by GC-MS in urine samples from 544 patients under 18 years collected between 2008-2010. Results Out of 544 patients, 337 (62%) were female, 189 (35%) were male and in 18 (3%) the sex was not documented. Indications for performing the test included adrenarche or XX virlisation in 239 (44%) cases and XY DSD in 68 (13%) cases. Median age at test was 7.4 years (r, 1 day,18 years) with 11%, 4%, 3%, 3%, 7%, 16%, 40%, 6%, 6% and 4% of tests performed in the following age bands, Conclusions Applying simplified diagnostic ratios to urinary Steroid profile data results in a yield of about 20% cases being abnormal. There is a need to improve the sensitivity and specificity of the uSMR and the reference ranges for these ratios.

Urs Kalbitzer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • long term storage effects in Steroid Metabolite extracts from baboon papio sp faeces a comparison of three commonly applied storage methods
    Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 2013
    Co-Authors: Urs Kalbitzer, Michael Heistermann
    Abstract:

    Summary The measurement of Steroid hormone Metabolites from faeces in wild animal populations is a powerful, noninvasive tool in behavioural endocrinology of all major vertebrate taxa. However, because such research is often done in remote areas with limited infrastructure, storage of samples for hormone analysis over long periods at high temperature is a critical issue in field endocrinology. Previous studies have indicated that storage of alcoholic faecal extracts is more reliable than storage of unprocessed faeces if no freezer is available, but a standard method has not been established yet. We tested the validity of three commonly applied storage conditions – liquid extracts, dried extracts and extracts placed on solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges – to preserve concentrations of glucocorticoid and androgen Metabolites from faecal extracts of olive baboons (Papio anubis) at high temperature over 1 year. Temporal variation in concentrations was detected for all Metabolites and all storage conditions, including values measured from the control condition, that is, extracts stored at −20°C. This suggested that most variation was due to interassay variability, corroborated by comparisons of variation in ‘quality controls’ and samples. Compared to frozen control samples, liquid extracts were stable for up to 24 weeks, extracts on SPE cartridges were stable for up to 50 weeks, while Steroid Metabolite concentrations in dried extracts decreased slightly over time. If Steroid samples have to be stored at ambient temperature, we suggest storage of liquid extracts for up to 24 weeks in a dark and cool place. For longer periods, SPE cartridges should be applied as evaporation, a potential confound arising with long-term storage of liquid extracts at higher temperatures, is not a problem in this storage condition. Storage of dried extracts is more cost-effective, but may result in small time-dependent changes in Steroid concentrations.

  • Long‐term storage effects in Steroid Metabolite extracts from baboon (Papio sp.) faeces – a comparison of three commonly applied storage methods
    Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 2013
    Co-Authors: Urs Kalbitzer, Michael Heistermann
    Abstract:

    Summary The measurement of Steroid hormone Metabolites from faeces in wild animal populations is a powerful, noninvasive tool in behavioural endocrinology of all major vertebrate taxa. However, because such research is often done in remote areas with limited infrastructure, storage of samples for hormone analysis over long periods at high temperature is a critical issue in field endocrinology. Previous studies have indicated that storage of alcoholic faecal extracts is more reliable than storage of unprocessed faeces if no freezer is available, but a standard method has not been established yet. We tested the validity of three commonly applied storage conditions – liquid extracts, dried extracts and extracts placed on solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges – to preserve concentrations of glucocorticoid and androgen Metabolites from faecal extracts of olive baboons (Papio anubis) at high temperature over 1 year. Temporal variation in concentrations was detected for all Metabolites and all storage conditions, including values measured from the control condition, that is, extracts stored at −20°C. This suggested that most variation was due to interassay variability, corroborated by comparisons of variation in ‘quality controls’ and samples. Compared to frozen control samples, liquid extracts were stable for up to 24 weeks, extracts on SPE cartridges were stable for up to 50 weeks, while Steroid Metabolite concentrations in dried extracts decreased slightly over time. If Steroid samples have to be stored at ambient temperature, we suggest storage of liquid extracts for up to 24 weeks in a dark and cool place. For longer periods, SPE cartridges should be applied as evaporation, a potential confound arising with long-term storage of liquid extracts at higher temperatures, is not a problem in this storage condition. Storage of dried extracts is more cost-effective, but may result in small time-dependent changes in Steroid concentrations.

Anders Juul - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • novel functions of the luteinizing hormone chorionic gonadotropin receptor in prostate cancer cells and patients
    PLOS ONE, 2020
    Co-Authors: Hein Vincent Stroomberg, Anne Jorgensen, Klaus Brasso, John Nielsen, Anders Juul, Hanne Frederiksen, Martin Blomberg Jensen, Martin Andreas Roder
    Abstract:

    Prostate cancer (PCa) cells become castrate-resistant after initial tumor regression following castration-based lowering of testosterone (T). De-novo intra-tumoral Steroid synthesis is a suggested biological mechanism of castration resistant PCa, but the regulators are unknown. Testicular T production is controlled by the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR). To elucidate the influence of LHCGR on PCa development the presence and effects of LHCGR in PCa and whether LHCGR in serum holds prognostic information in PCa patients is investigated. LHCGR expression was investigated by RT-PCR, WB, IHC, qPCR in PCa cell lines and prostatic tissue. Steroid production was measured in media from cell lines with LC-MS/MS and expression of Steroidogenic enzymes with qPCR. Serum LHCGR (sLHCGR) was measured with ELISA in PCa patients (N = 157). Presence of LHCGR was established in prostatic tissue and PCa cell lines. Cell proliferation increased by 1.29-fold in LNCaP (P = 0.007) and 1.33-fold in PC-3 cells (P = 0.0007), when stimulated by luteinizing hormone. Choriogonadotropin stimulation decreased proliferation 0.93-fold in DU145 cells (P = 0.05), but none of the treatments altered Steroid Metabolite secretion. Low sLHCGR concentration was associated with a higher risk of biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy (HR = 3.05, P = 0.06) and castration resistance (HR = 6.92, P = 0.004) compared to high sLHCGR concentration. LHCGR is expressed in PCa and may exert a growth regulatory role in PCa derived cell lines. A potential prognostic role of sLHCGR for determining recurrence risk in PCa patients is found in this pilot study but needs verification in larger cohorts.

  • reference ranges of 17 hydroxyprogesterone dhea dheas androstenedione total and free testosterone determined by turboflow lc ms ms and associations to health markers in 304 men
    Clinica Chimica Acta, 2016
    Co-Authors: Damgaard A Olesen, Trine Holm Johannsen, Stine A Holmboe, Tue Soeborg, Jorgen Holm Petersen, Am Andersson, Mette Aadahl, Allan Linneberg, Anders Juul
    Abstract:

    Abstract We report reference ranges based on LC–MS/MS for testosterone (T), free testosterone (FT) and its precursors, i.e. 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA-sulfate (DHEAS) and androstenedione (Adione), in relation to different health markers and lifestyle factors. The study was based on 304 healthy men aged 30–61 years participating in a population-based cross-sectional study (Health2008). Examination program consisted of a clinical examination, completion of a self-administered questionnaire and blood sampling. Steroid Metabolites were measured by a validated and sensitive LC–MS/MS method. Older age-groups were significantly associated with decreased concentrations of DHEA, DHEAS, Adione, and FT, while no significant associations with age were shown for 17-OHP or T. Participants with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 had lower age-related Steroid Metabolite z-scores compared to participants with BMI  In conclusion, this large study on serum Steroid Metabolites and concomitant assessment of health markers in healthy men provides age-related reference ranges, and furthermore evaluates the impact of lifestyle factors and metabolic syndrome on androgen Metabolite levels.

  • sex age pubertal development and use of oral contraceptives in relation to serum concentrations of dhea dheas 17α hydroxyprogesterone δ4 androstenedione testosterone and their ratios in children adolescents and young adults
    Clinica Chimica Acta, 2014
    Co-Authors: Tue Soeborg, Hanne Frederiksen, Trine Holm Johannsen, Jorgen Holm Petersen, Annette Mouritsen, Katharina M Main, Niels Jorgensen, Annamaria Andersson, Anders Juul
    Abstract:

    Abstract The influence of sex, age, pubertal development and oral contraceptives on dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate (DHEAS), 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), Δ4-androstenedione (Adione), testosterone (T), calculated free testosterone (fT), free androgen index (FAI) and selected ratios in 1798 serum samples from healthy children, adolescents and young adults was evaluated. Samples were analyzed by Turboflow-LC–MS/MS. Sex hormone-binding globulin was analyzed by immunoassay. All Steroid Metabolite concentrations were positively associated with age and pubertal development in both sexes and generally higher in males than in females except for Adione. The pubertal rise in T in males was more pronounced compared to females, reflecting contribution from the testes. Ratios between Steroid Metabolites varied and depended on sex and age. All ratios were lower during infancy compared to later in life. Use of oral contraceptives significantly lowered serum concentrations of all Steroid Metabolites, fT, FAI, the 17-OHP/Adione, the Adione/T and the DHEA/Adione ratios, but not the DHEA/DHEAS ratio. We provide reference ranges for DHEA, DHEAS, 17-OHP, Adione, T, fT, FAI and selected ratios in relation to sex, age and pubertal development. Use of oral contraceptives strongly influences adrenal Steroidogenesis and should be considered when diagnosing and monitoring treatment of patients with disorders of sex development.