Endocrine Abstracts

For decades, endocrinology has recognised testosterone and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) as the only potent androgens in human physiology. However, the discovery of adrenal-derived 11-oxygenated androgens, notably 11-ketotestosterone (11KT), has challenged this established view, leading to a reassessment of the androgen pool. In the last decade, 11-oxygenated androgens have been implicated in several disease states, including polycystic ovary syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and castration-resistant prostate cancer. This presentation will provide an overview of the adrenal biosynthesis and peripheral metabolism of 11-oxygenated androgens, including their conversion to 11-oxygenated oestrogens. It will also summarise their emerging roles in human health and disease, highlighting the need to incorporate these androgens into routine steroid profiling, particularly in an era when LC-MS/MS is more accessible.