17-OH Progesterone
Sample: Serum 1.0 mL
Schedule: Friday (RIA Test)
Units: ng/mL
Range: 0.2 - 2.6 Follicular
0.3 - 4.0 Luteal
1.0 - 1.7 Contraceptive
0.1 - 1.2 Postmeno
< 1.8 Prepubertal
0.4 - 3.5 Males
Remarks:
17a-Hydroxy Progesterone is produced in the adrenals, testes, ovaries and placenta and is an intermediate product in the synthesis of Cortisol. High levels of 17-OHa-Progesterone are seen in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (adrenogenital syndrome).
Deficiency of the enzyme 21-Hydroxylase blocks the normal synthesis of cortisol leading to compensatory increase of ACTH secretion. This results in adrenal hyperplasi with increased levels of 17a-Hydroxy Progesterone, DHEA and other adrenal steroids. 17a-Hydroxy Progesterone is useful in evaluation of hirsutism and/or infertility and to assess certain adrenal or ovarian tumors with endocrine activity.
