Laboratory test · Hormones and thyroid
17-hydroxyprogesterone
- Sample: Blood from a vein
- Preparation: In the morning; women on days 2.–5. of the cycle
Test price
- Sample
- Blood from a vein
- Preparation
- In the morning; women on days 2.–5. of the cycle
Paymentcash, cards and instalments
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Do you have an irregular cycle, acne or excess hair growth, and does your doctor want to check whether the symptoms come from the adrenal glands? 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) is a hormone that helps detect congenital adrenal hyperplasia, an inherited disorder of adrenal hormone production. The test is also important because the milder form of this disease can easily be mistaken for polycystic ovary syndrome.
Who the test is for
- women with excess hair growth, acne, thinning hair or irregular periods;
- in suspected polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as part of hormonal investigations;
- in infertility investigations, when a doctor is looking for the cause of absent ovulation;
- children with early pubic or underarm hair, body odour or sudden acceleration of growth, as assessed by a paediatrician;
- people with known congenital adrenal hyperplasia, to monitor treatment;
- family members of an affected person, when a doctor recommends testing.
What the test reveals
17-OHP is produced in the adrenal gland along the pathway used to make cortisol. When an inherited disorder blocks this pathway, 17-OHP accumulates and some is converted into male hormones. This leads to acne, excess hair growth and irregular cycles.
More severe, classic forms of the disease are detected in newborns. The milder, non-classic form appears in childhood, puberty or adulthood and may resemble PCOS in its symptoms. The 17-OHP result helps distinguish them, together with DHEA-S, androstenedione and testosterone.
Save with a panel
Test 17-hydroxyprogesterone is also included in this panel.
The procedure and preparation
Blood is taken from a vein. Come in the morning, between 7 and 10, because 17-OHP is highest in the morning; fasting is not required. Menstruating women have blood drawn in the early days of their cycle (days 2.–5.), because the value naturally rises after ovulation. Mention when your blood is drawn if you are pregnant or take corticosteroids or hormonal preparations. If you are treated for adrenal hyperplasia, your doctor will say whether to take your morning dose before or after the blood draw. Drawing blood takes a few minutes.
What your result means
- Elevated: may indicate congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Mildly elevated values are also seen in PCOS, after ovulation and during pregnancy. For confirmation, a doctor may refer you for an ACTH stimulation test and genetic testing.
- Very high: particularly in children, suggests a more pronounced form of the disease and requires prompt investigation by an endocrinologist.
- Normal: does not support adrenal hyperplasia, particularly if blood was drawn in the morning in the early days of the cycle. With borderline values, a doctor may request additional tests.
- Low: usually has no particular significance. In people receiving treatment, it may mean the medication dose is too high.
Reference values depend on age, sex and cycle phase and are printed on the report. A gynaecologist, paediatrician or endocrinologist interprets the result alongside examination and other hormones.
How to arrange testing
You can have blood taken without an appointment or referral at one of our branches across Croatia (listed under Contact). Prices for all tests and panels are available in the price list. 17-OHP is part of the PCOS panel, alongside testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, DHEA-S and other hormones important for assessing the cycle.
Frequently asked questions
On which cycle day should 17-OHP be measured?
Most often on days 2.–5. of the cycle, in the morning. If you have no periods or they are very irregular, your doctor will determine the sampling day.
Is 17-OHP the same as progesterone?
No. They have similar names, but progesterone is measured mainly to assess ovulation and pregnancy, whereas 17-OHP is measured to assess adrenal function.
What is non-classic adrenal hyperplasia?
A milder, inherited form of the disease that is often detected only in young women because of acne, excess hair growth or irregular cycles. It responds well to treatment, which is tailored to the symptoms.
Can elevated 17-OHP make it harder to become pregnant?
The non-classic form can interfere with ovulation. With appropriate treatment, the chances of pregnancy are usually good, and a gynaecologist or endocrinologist develops the plan.