17 OH PROGESTERONE

The 17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) test measures the level of this steroid hormone in the blood. It’s primarily used to screen for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic disorder affecting adrenal gland function. Elevated levels of 17-OHP can indicate enzyme deficiencies that lead to an overproduction of androgenic steroids. This test is crucial for diagnosing CAH in newborns, children, and adults and helps in managing and monitoring treatment. It can also be part of a fertility workup to assess hormone levels in women. Routine monitoring can prevent complications associated with abnormal hormone levels.