17 Alpha - Hydroxy Progesterone (17-OHP) is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland. It plays an important role in the production of androgen hormones, which are responsible for male traits and sexual development in females. The 17-OHP test measures the level of this hormone in the blood to evaluate the adrenal gland function.

The 17-OHP test is often used to diagnose and monitor disorders of androgen excess, such as Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) and Hirsutism. CAH is a genetic disorder that affects the adrenal gland's ability to produce cortisol and aldosterone hormones. This leads to the overproduction of androgens, which causes masculinization in females and early puberty in males. Hirsutism is a condition in which women have excessive hair growth in areas where men usually grow hair.

The 17-OHP test is a simple blood test that requires a small amount of blood drawn from a vein in the arm. It is usually performed in the morning when the hormone levels are the highest. The test is also used to monitor treatment for CAH and other adrenal gland disorders.

Category
Biochemistry

Prerequisite
You don't need any special preparations for this test

Normal Range

Children:
Preterm infants
Preterm infants may exceed 630 ng/dL, however, it is uncommon to see levels reach 1,000 ng/dL.
Term infants
0-28 days: <630 ng/dL
Levels fall from newborn (<630 ng/dL) to prepubertal gradually within 6 months.
Prepubertal males: <110 ng/dL
Prepubertal females: <100 ng/dL 

Adults:
Males: <220 ng/dL
Females
Follicular: <80 ng/dL
Luteal: <285 ng/dL
Postmenopausal: <51 ng/dL

Type of sample to be collected
Blood Sample