Which two urinary metabolites are used to assess testosterone activity?

• A. 17-Ketosteroids and DHEA
• B. DHEA and DHT
• C. Androstenedione and estradiol
• D. Testosterone and DHT

Answer: (A)

To gauge testosterone activity, clinicians look at urinary metabolites that reflect androgen production and breakdown. The two key markers are 17-ketosteroids, which are metabolites of testosterone and other androgens excreted in urine, and DHEA, an adrenal androgen precursor whose urinary excretion indicates the available substrate for testosterone synthesis. Together they give a practical readout of overall androgen activity. DHT, while a potent androgen, isn’t routinely used as a urinary marker for systemic testosterone activity, since it’s formed mainly in tissues and doesn’t reliably reflect total androgen status. The other compounds listed are steroids themselves or not standard urinary markers for assessing testosterone activity.