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17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP)

25 Azn
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17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) is a steroid hormone involved in the synthesis of cortisol.

  • Cortisol synthesis requires multiple enzymes, and if one or more of these enzymes is deficient or dysfunctional, cortisol production is impaired, leading to congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).
  • The most common cause of CAH is a partial or complete deficiency of the enzyme 21-hydroxylase.

    Pathophysiology of 17-OHP in CAH

  • When 21-hydroxylase is absent, cortisol cannot be synthesized in sufficient amounts.
  • Due to negative feedback, the pituitary gland stimulates adrenal gland growth (adrenal hyperplasia).
  • However, enlarging the adrenal glands does not compensate for the cortisol synthesis block.
  • Instead, other steroid precursors that do not require the defective enzyme, such as 17-OHP and androgens, accumulate excessively.

     
  • The analysis is performed on a blood sample drawn from a vein.
  • The test should be taken after 8–14 hours of fasting.
  • Before the test, avoid:
    • Physical and emotional stress
  • If not otherwise specified by a doctor, women should take the test on days 2–4 of their menstrual cycle.

Suspected Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

In Women:
  • Hirsutism (excessive hair growth)
  • Irregular menstrual cycles
  • Development of secondary male sexual characteristics
  • Infertility
In Men:
  • Precocious (early) puberty
  • Infertility

  • Elevated 17-OHP levels indicate congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

  • High 17-OHP levels correlate with the severity of ischemic heart disease (IHD).

  • Normal 17-OHP levels suggest the absence of IHD due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

  • A decrease in 17-OHP levels in patients with CAH under medical supervision indicates a positive response to treatment.