What is the 17 – OHP test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post, and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is the 17 – OHP test?
This measures the amount of 17 hydroxyprogesterone (17 – OHP) in the blood.
Also Read: progesterone test
What is a 17 hydroxyprogesterone (17 – OHP)?
It is a hormone made by the adrenal glands (located above the kidneys), which plays a role in the production of cortisol hormone. Cortisol helps in maintaining blood pressure, blood sugar, and the immune system of the body.
Why is it done?
It helps us in:
- Diagnosing a rare genetic disorder, called congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in newborns, children, and adults
- Monitoring the treatment of CAH
What is the normal range of 17 – OHP in the blood?
It is measured in ng/dl.
The normal range of 17 – OHP varies as:
In newborns: <630 ng/dl Prepubescent males: <110 ng/dl In adult males: < 220 ng/dl Prepubertal females: <100 ng/dl Post-menopausal females: <51 ng/dl
Why do I need a 17 – OHP test?
This test is done in newborns within 1-2 days of birth to rule out the possibility of having CAH. This test is required when the screening hasn’t been done and the newborn develops any of the following symptoms:
- Ambiguous genitalia (when genitalia are not clearly male or female)
- Arrhythmia
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
It is also done in children and adults when they present with the symptoms of CAH. Children at early ages may not present with the symptoms until puberty. However, symptoms of CAH in girls include:
- Irregular menses or absence of periods
- Early appearance of pubic hair
- Hirsutism (Excessive hair over face and body)
- Deep voice
- Acne
Symptoms of CAH in boys include:
- Enlarged penis and small testis
- Precocious puberty (Early puberty)
Symptoms of CAH in adult males or females include:
- Infertility
- Acne
What does a high 17 – OHP level indicate?
A high level of 17-OHP indicates congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The higher the level of this hormone, the more severe the condition.
Moderately high levels of 17-OHP mean the CAH is mild. If the 17-OHP is excessively increased, that indicates a severe form of CAH.
Also Read: adrenal cancer
For more information, you can visit Testing .com and WebMD.
