17 Alpha Hydroxy Progesterone

Also known as 17-OHP, 17-OH Progesterone

₹1189~~₹1400~~ 15% Off

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

An early morning specimen is preferred.

Understanding 17 Alpha Hydroxy Progesterone

What is 17 Alpha Hydroxy Progesterone?

The 17 Alpha Hydroxy Progesterone is a blood test that measures the level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), a hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands and to some extent by the gonads. This test helps screen for, detect, and monitor treatment for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and other adrenal gland disorders.

The 17 Alpha Hydroxy Progesterone test measures the amount of 17-OHP in the blood. This hormone is a part of the process of making cortisol, an important hormone for stress response, blood sugar regulation and other vital functions. This test helps detect or evaluate congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), an inherited condition that results in decreased cortisol and aldosterone production and increased male sex hormone (androgen) production. The common type of CAH is due to a lack of the enzyme 21-hydroxylase, which helps convert 17-OHP into cortisol.

The 17 Alpha Hydroxy Progesterone test also helps in monitoring Cortisol Replacement therapy, evaluating infertility and is also useful in evaluating Adrenal and ovarian neoplasm. High levels of 17-OHP in the blood is a marker of enzyme 21-hydroxylase deficiency in Infants with features of Adrenal insufficiency like hypotension, hypoglycemia and hyperkalemia and in infants with ambiguous genitalia. High levels may also be seen in females with clinical evidence of possible androgen excess and showing symptoms such as excess hair growth in areas typical for males, deep voice, increased muscle mass, absence of menstrual periods, or infertility.

No special preparation is needed for this test. However, an early morning specimen is preferred. The blood sample may need to be collected at a specific time during a woman’s menstrual cycle as different phases have different ranges. Moreover, the test should not be done if an individual is taking steroids, as these can affect the test results.

Lab test results may vary across laboratories. Do not self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for a proper understanding of the test results. The insights from this test help the doctor tailor appropriate recommendations for your specific condition.

What is 17 Alpha Hydroxy Progesterone used for?

The 17 Alpha Hydroxy Progesterone test is done:

To diagnose congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic disorder affecting the adrenal glands.
To help monitor the treatment response in individuals with known adrenal gland problems.
To help investigate the cause of symptoms like excessive hair growth, irregular menstrual periods, early signs of puberty or infertility in females.
As a part of Newborn screening test when an infant’s sex is not obvious (ambiguous genitalia).
As a monitoring tool for Cortisol Replacement therapy.

What does 17 Alpha Hydroxy Progesterone measure?

The 17 Alpha Hydroxy Progesterone test measures the level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone in the blood. It is an important intermediate in the production of cortisol, an essential hormone for stress response, metabolism and immune function. This test is used to detect congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic disorder that affects the hormone production in the adrenal glands.

By measuring the levels of 17-OHP , doctors can identify the abnormalities in the hormone production that may lead to conditions such as CAH, PCOS, or adrenal tumors.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 17 Alpha Hydroxy Progesterone

Frequently Asked Questions about 17 Alpha Hydroxy Progesterone

Q. What is the 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) blood test for?

The 17-OHP test helps diagnose a group of uncommon, inherited genetic disorders that affect how well your adrenal glands make cortisol.

Q. What are the symptoms of 17-hydroxyprogesterone deficiency?

The 17-hydroxylase deficiency does not get identified by newborn screening and is typically identified later due to ambiguous genitalia, delayed sexual maturation, hypertension, or hypokalemia.

Q. Why is my 17-hydroxyprogesterone so low?

Low values of 17-OHP are found in adrenal hypofunction, whether of adrenal or hypothalamic/pituitary origin. The most frequent cause of a low 17-OHP concentration is suppression of the pituitary–adrenal axis by synthetic glucocorticoids given therapeutically

Q. Is fasting required for the 17 Alpha Hydroxy Progesterone test?

No, fasting is not required for this test.

Q. What is CAH in females?

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is the group of genetic conditions that affect the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are a pair of walnut-sized organs above the kidneys. They make important hormones, including cortisol. This hormone controls the body's response to illness or stress.