Advances and challenges in liquid chromatography-spectrometry (LC-MS) methodology for quantifying androgens and estrogens in human serum and plasma

Accurate quantification of androgens and estrogens is critical for elucidating their roles in endocrine disorders and advancing research on their functions in human biology and pathophysiology. This review highlights recent advances and ongoing challenges in liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry (LC- MS) methodology for quantifying androgens and estrogens in human serum and plasma. We summarized current approaches for analyzing the different forms of androgens and estrogens, along with their reported levels in publications from 2010 to the present. These published levels pointed out the inconsistencies in reference intervals across studies. To address these issues, advances in derivatization methods and chromatographic separation techniques are reviewed. Future perspectives for improving the accuracy and consistency of hormone quantification in clinical and research settings were also proposed.