11-Oxoetiocholanolone is a metabolite of cortisol that is found in the feces of ungulates and other animals. Stress-induced glucocorticoids (cortisol, corticosterone) traditionally have been measured through blood sampling, but the collection process is known to cause stress in animals, interfering with experimental results.

Fecal sample analysis provides more accurate detection of stress hormones, and it can be used to measure stress in both laboratory and free-ranging animals. 11-Oxoetiocholanolone is also found in human urine. Increased levels of urinary 11-oxoetiocholanolone have been observed in the latter part of pregnancy and in patients with uterine leiomyomas. A study of postmenopausal women determined that 11-oxoetiocholanolone was indicative of stress-induced urinary incontinence.