An elevated 17-hydroxysteroids total and/or cortisol total may be caused by stress, strenuous exercise, inflammation, hypoglycemia, insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, or licorice ingestion.

ANDROGENS such as DHEA, testosterone, and androstenedione tend to be extensively metabolized into downstream androgen compounds. As a result, the levels of testosterone along with “Total 17-ketosteroids” (DHEA plus metabolites) should be used to assess androgen status and/or efficacy of androgen replacement.

This test serves as a valuable ancillary tool in diagnosing congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), especially in cases where 21-hydroxylase and 11-hydroxylase deficiencies have already been ruled out. It is particularly instrumental in confirming a diagnosis of 3-beta-hydroxydehydrogenase (3-b-HSD) deficiency and 17-alphahydroxylase deficiency. Additionally, it is an essential component of a comprehensive battery of tests used to assess females experiencing hirsutism or infertility, both of which can be potential outcomes of adult-onset CAH.

17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) is a steroid hormone produced primarily in the adrenal glands and, to a lesser extent, in the gonads (ovaries and testes). It serves as an important intermediate in the biosynthesis of cortisol and other steroid hormones, and is a crucial biomarker for diagnosing congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a group of genetic disorders affecting adrenal gland function. CAH can lead to an imbalance of hormones, particularly cortisol.

Reference ranges:

In females, normal levels of 17-OHP vary depending on age, menstrual cycle phase, and pregnancy status. Typically, the reference range for adult women is between 20 to 100 ng/dL in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, and 100-500 ng/dL during the luteal phase.

17-OH Progesterone is the product of progesterone hydroxylation.

17-OH Progesterone is the product of progesterone hydroxylation.

An elevated 17-hydroxysteroids total and/or cortisol total may be caused by stress, strenuous exercise, inflammation, hypoglycemia, insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, or licorice ingestion.

An elevated 17-hydroxysteroids total and/or cortisol total may be caused by stress, strenuous exercise, inflammation, hypoglycemia, insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, or licorice ingestion.

An elevated 17-hydroxysteroids total and/or cortisol total may be caused by stress, strenuous exercise, inflammation, hypoglycemia, insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, or licorice ingestion.

ANDROGENS such as DHEA, testosterone, and androstenedione tend to be extensively metabolized into downstream androgen compounds. As a result, the levels of testosterone along with “Total 17-ketosteroids” (DHEA plus metabolites) should be used to assess androgen status and/or efficacy of androgen replacement.

Testosterone and DHEA are metabolized into what are collectively known as the 17-ketosteroids.

17-OHP is produced by the adrenal gland as part of the process of making the important hormone cortisol. The adrenal glands are two small glands. One is located on top of each kidney. Along with special enzymes, or proteins, 17-OH progesterone is converted to a hormone called cortisol.

The hormone 17-hydroxyprogesterone is produced by the adrenal glands. 17-OHPg is converted to cortisol, which is released in varying amounts, but at particularly high levels during times of physical or emotional stress. A cortisol deficiency can occur in certain people which can lead to an increase in 17-OH progesterone in the blood. LCMS saliva testing has allowed accurate determination of 17-OH progesterone along with other androgens, correlating with serum levels and allowing useful steroid profiling in disorders of steroid metabolism19. High levels of 17-OHPg can indicate CAH. CAH is a glandular disorder that results in the adrenal glands being unable to create enough cortisol, which may consequently increase the production of DHEA and testosterone.

Two types of antibodies are detected in the Western blot test.

This particular marker is called 18 KD (IGG) Band and hence is a IgG antibody marker. IgG antibodies are a sign of an older infection. In contrast, IgM antibodies reflect a relatively recent infection. 

IgM antibodies usually disappear after eight weeks post-exposure. 
IgG remains in the serum for a very long time.