17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) test
Explanation
17-hydroxyprogesterone, or 17-OHP, is a substance the adrenal glands use to make cortisol, a hormone involved in the body’s response to stress and illness. This blood test helps investigate certain inherited problems with hormone production, especially the most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
What is the test looking for?
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or CAH, is a group of inherited conditions affecting the adrenal glands above the kidneys. In its most common form, a protein needed to make cortisol does not work well enough. This can cause 17-OHP to build up.
Why was it ordered?
The test may be part of newborn screening or an investigation of symptoms such as unusually early puberty, excess body hair or irregular periods. These symptoms can also have other causes. Testing can also help monitor established CAH.
What happens if the result is unclear?
Further hormone tests may be needed. An adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test measures the response before and after an injection that signals the adrenal glands to work. The 17-OHP test mainly investigates the most common form of CAH. It does not assess every possible problem with adrenal hormones.
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