Also Known As
17-OHP
17-OH progesterone
Progesterone - 17-OH
Formal Name
17-Hydroxyprogesterone
This article was last reviewed on
This article waslast modified on 4 March 2021.
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?

To screen for, detect, and monitor treatment for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to a deficiency in the 21-hydroxylase enzyme; sometimes to help rule out other conditions.

When To Get Tested?

1. in some countries as part of a routine newborn screen
2. when an infant has atypical genitalia i.e. it is unclear if the child is male or female
3. when a young female has hirsutism (excess hair) or other symptoms of virilisation
4. when a child has premature sexual development
5. periodically to monitor CAH treatment
6. in ‘salt-wasting’ presentations in infants
7. rarely in investigation of infertility

Sample Required?

A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm or by pricking the heel of an infant.

A saliva sample can be obtained by asking the patient to spit into a small container. Saliva samples may be suitable for analysis in some specialist laboratories.

Test Preparation Needed?

There is no preparation such as fasting for this test, but the doctor may request an early morning collection. The doctor may also request that blood be collected in the first half of a woman's menstrual cycle.

On average it takes 7 working days for the blood test results to come back from the hospital, depending on the exact tests requested. Some specialist test results may take longer, if samples have to be sent to a reference (specialist) laboratory. The X-ray & scan results may take longer. If you are registered to use the online services of your local practice, you may be able to access your results online. Your GP practice will be able to provide specific details.

If the doctor wants to see you about the result(s), you will be offered an appointment. If you are concerned about your test results, you will need to arrange an appointment with your doctor so that all relevant information including age, ethnicity, health history, signs and symptoms, laboratory and other procedures (radiology, endoscopy, etc.), can be considered.

Lab Tests Online-UK is an educational website designed to provide patients and carers with information on laboratory tests used in medical care. We are not a laboratory and are unable to comment on an individual's health and treatment.

Reference ranges are dependent on many factors, including patient age, sex, sample population, and test method, and numeric test results can have different meanings in different laboratories.

For these reasons, you will not find reference ranges for the majority of tests described on this web site. The lab report containing your test results should include the relevant reference range for your test(s). Please consult your doctor or the laboratory that performed the test(s) to obtain the reference range if you do not have the lab report.

For more information on reference ranges, please read Reference Ranges and What They Mean.

What is being tested?

This test measures the amount of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) in the blood. 17-OHP is a steroid that is used by the body to make cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps break down protein, glucose, and lipids, maintains blood pressure, and regulates the immune system. The production of cortisol is stimulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Concentrations of cortisol normally vary throughout the day, peaking around 8 am and declining in the evening.  Concentrations became elevated during illness and stress.

Several enzymes are required to convert 17-OHP to cortisol. If one or more of the enzymes is deficient or dysfunctional, then inadequate amounts of cortisol are produced and cortisol precursor concentrations, such as 17-OHP, increase in the blood. The adrenal glands use up some of the excess 17-OHP by producing more androgens (male hormones). Excess androgens can cause virilisation (the development of male sexual characteristics, in both males and females). These enzyme deficiencies are inherited and the resulting excess androgens lead to a group of disorders called congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The most common cause of CAH is a lack of the enzyme 21-hydroxylase, accounting for about 90% of cases. This enzyme is the first in the chain of enzymes converting 17-OHP to cortisol. CAH is inherited as either a severe or mild type.

In the more serious form of CAH, severe 21-hydroxylase deficiency, the influence of excess androgens can cause female babies to be born with atypical genitalia and it may be difficult to initially determine if they are male or female. Males with this condition will appear normal at birth but start to develop secondary sexual characteristics (signs of puberty) earlier in childhood than normal. Females at birth have atypical genitalia and later may develop hirsutism during childhood and adolescence, have irregular menstruation, and have other signs of virilisation.

Babies affected by severe 21- hydroxylase deficiency CAH may also produce less aldosterone, an adrenal hormone that regulates the retention of salt. This can lead to life-threatening "salt-wasting" crises in newborns where too much fluid and salt are lost in the urine. Those affected may have low blood sodium levels (hyponatremia), high blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia), decreased aldosterone, and increased plasma renin. This severe form of 21-hydroxylase deficiency is most often detected shortly after birth or during routine newborn screening.

In the more common milder form of this disorder, there may be only partial deficiency of the enzyme. This type, sometimes called late-onset or non-classical CAH, can have symptoms that begin to appear any time during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. The symptoms can be vague, may develop slowly over time, and may vary from person to person. Though this form of CAH is not life-threatening, it may cause problems with growth, development, and puberty in children and may lead to infertility in adults. In adolescence and adulthood it is mainly females who are diagnosed. In a family with a history of CAH an adult male with infertility should be investigated for CAH.

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Common Questions
  • How is it used?

    TThe 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) test can be part of a newborn screening programme in some countries. It is used to detect congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a group of inherited disorders caused by specific gene mutations associated with cortisol-related enzyme deficiencies (see ‘What is being tested’). About 90% of CAH cases are caused by a mutation in the CYP21A2 gene that leads to a 21-hydroxylase enzyme deficiency and to an increase of 17-OHP in the blood.

    Newborns affected by severe 21- hydroxylase deficiency CAH may also produce less aldosterone, a hormone that regulates the retention of salt. The loss of too much fluid and salt in the urine can lead to a life-threatening "salt-wasting" crisis.

    Positive 17-OHP screening tests may be repeated, or other tests performed, such as androstenedione and testosterone. An ACTH stimulation test may also be performed as a follow-up test. Molecular genetic testing may be performed to detect CYP21A2 gene mutations that cause the condition. A karyotype may be requested as a follow-up test to detect chromosome disorders and to help determine a baby's sex. Electrolytes are usually measured to help monitor the child’s blood sodium and potassium levels.

    Measurement of 17-OHP in the blood may also be used to aid the diagnosis of CAH in older children and adults who may have a milder "non-classical" form.

    If someone is diagnosed with 21-hydroxylase deficiency, treatment will involve replacement of the deficient cortisol with glucocorticoid treatment. A 17-OHP test may be used periodically to monitor the effectiveness of this treatment.

    A 17-OHP test may also sometimes be used, with other hormone tests, to help rule out CAH in people who have symptoms,such as hirsutism and irregular periods. This includes women with suspected polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and infertility, and rarely those with suspected adrenal or ovarian cancers.

  • When is it requested?

    The 17-OHP test can be part of a newborn screening programme in some countries.. A 17-OHP test may be requested whenever an infant has signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency or experiences salt-wasting crises. Some signs and symptoms may include:

    • Listlessness, lack of energy (lethargy)
    • Not eating well
    • Dehydration
    • Low blood pressure

    An infant with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) may also have atypical genitalia, virilisation, acne, or pubic hair. This test may sometimes be requested in older children or in adults when the milder form of CAH is suspected. The 17-OHP test may also be conducted when a girl or woman is experiencing symptoms such as:

    In women, the symptoms are very similar to those of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Boys or men may experience:

    • Early (precocious) puberty
    • Infertility

    When a person has been diagnosed with 21-hydroxylase deficiency, then a 17-OHP test may be requested periodically to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

  • What does the test result mean?

    If a newborn or infant has significantly increased concentrations of 17-OHP, then it is likely that he or she has CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. If a person has moderately increased concentrations, then they may have a less severe form of CAH, a deficiency of another enzyme associated with CAH (such as 11beta-hydroxylase), or may have a false positive test.

    Normal 17-OHP results mean that it is likely that the person does not have CAH due to a 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Low or decreasing concentrations in a person with CAH indicate a response to treatment. High or increasing concentrations may indicate that changes in treatment are required.

  • Is there anything else I should know?

    Premature infants often have elevated concentrations of 17-OHP. The newborn screen may need to be repeated at a later time.

    Rarely, prenatal 17-OHP testing may be performed on amniotic fluid to detect and treat CAH in the foetus during pregnancy.

  • Can I have CAH if no CYP21A2 gene mutations were detected during genetic testing?

    Yes. Testing detects the most common mutations but will not detect those that are rare. If a specific mutation has been identified in your family line, then you should be tested for that mutation.

  • Can I have CAH with no symptoms of virilisation?

    More general screening for rarer subtypes of CAH can also be performed with a urine steroid profile

  • Is 21-hydroxylase deficiency CAH curable?

    No, but it is treatable. Those with the condition will need to take glucocorticoids, and mineralocorticoids if their aldosterone is also low, throughout their life. In times of stress or illness, they may need extra medication to meet the needs of their body.

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