17-Hydroxyprogesterone Blood Test

Also called: 17-OHP Test, 17-OH Progesterone Test

17-Hydroxyprogesterone Blood Test

What Is a 17-Hydroxyprogesterone Blood Test and Why Is It Done?

A 17-hydroxyprogesterone (hi-drok-see-pro-JESS-teh-rone) blood test measures the amount of a hormone in the blood called 17-hydroxyprogesterone.

Usually, doctors order it to check for a genetic disorder called congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The test looks for the most common type of CAH in infants and children. It's one of the routine screening tests done on newborns in the United States.

The test also can help doctors monitor the treatment of kids with CAH. Children with any CAH symptoms would likely have the test done.

What Is 17-Hydroxyprogesterone?

The hormone 17-hydroxyprogesterone is a building block for making another hormone: cortisol (KOR-tuh-sol). Cortisol is called the "stress hormone" because the body secretes (releases) more of it when there’s physical or emotional stress. Most cortisol is made in the adrenal cortex — the outer part of the two adrenal glands, located above the kidneys.

Some people’s bodies can’t make enough cortisol because they lack an enzyme (a kind of protein) in the adrenal glands. They'll have a buildup of 17-hydroxyprogesterone in the blood because it's not being used to make cortisol. In kids, this is usually due to CAH.

Top Things to Know

• The 17-hydroxyprogesterone blood test checks the level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (a kind of hormone) in the blood.
• The test can look for and monitor the genetic disorder congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).
• Kids might need to stop taking certain medicines or not eat or drink before the blood test.
• Your doctor can explain what it means if 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels are high or low.

How Can I Help My Child Prepare for a Blood Test?

To help kids get ready for a blood test, find out if they need to fast (not eat or drink) or should stop taking medicines before the test. Explain what to expect during the test. If your child is nervous about it, work together on ways to stay calm. Deep breathing or even imagining being in a place that makes your child feel safe and relaxed can help.

What Do 17-Hydroxyprogesterone Test Results Mean?

Your doctor will explain what the results of the test mean for your child. A “normal” 17-hydroxyprogesterone level can vary based on things like age and gender.

High 17-Hydroxyprogesterone Level

The 17-hydroxyprogesterone level might be high because of CAH or a problem with the adrenal glands.

Low 17-Hydroxyprogesterone Level

If kids are receiving treatment for CAH and their 17-hydroxyprogesterone level is now lower, this might mean that the treatment is working well. For someone who doesn’t have CAH, low 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels can sometimes happen with other adrenal or pituitary gland problems.

What Else Should I Know?

When kids have a 17-hydroxyprogesterone test, they may also have other hormone tests to show how the adrenal glands are working.

If you have questions about the 17-hydroxyprogesterone test or what the results mean, talk to your doctor.