• How is the test used to evaluate puberty in boys?

It helps evaluate the cause of precocious puberty in boys, such as an enlarged penis or the appearance of pubic hair before the age of 9.

• Do I need to fast before the 17-OHP test?

No, fasting is not required for this blood test.

Medical Laboratories

Growth and Development Hormone Test

17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) Test

An essential test for diagnosing congenital adrenal hyperplasia in children, detecting causes of early sexual development and ensuring rapid, effective medical intervention.

Trusted medical contentUpdated: 04-09-2026Views: 85LHL-3256

About this service

The 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) test is a quantitative measurement of the serum level of this steroid intermediate. 17-OHP is produced in the adrenal glands and gonads and is an important precursor to both cortisol (in the adrenal glands) and androgens such as androstenedione and testosterone. The test is primarily used to diagnose 21-hydroxylase deficiency, which is the cause of more than 90% of cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), where the enzyme deficiency leads to a significant accumulation of 17-OHP.

Conditions and notices

Fasting is not required

Sample timing: It is preferable to draw the sample in the early morning (8-9 am), when levels are at their daily peak (unless the goal is to measure the lowest basal level).

For women of reproductive age: The phase of the menstrual cycle must be accurately determined. The sample is usually taken in the early follicular phase (days 3-5 of the cycle), unless otherwise directed by the doctor.

Fasting is not usually required, but it may be required in some cases.

Stop taking any medications: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially hormonal birth control pills and corticosteroids (cortisone). Your doctor may ask you to stop taking them several weeks before the test to obtain an accurate self-reported reading.

In the case of ACTH stimulation testing: a blood sample is drawn one hour before and one hour after the injection under medical supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Short answers to the FAQs published with this service.

• What is the purpose of the 17-OHP test?

The test is a quantitative measurement of 17-Hydroxyprogesterone, a steroid intermediate produced in the adrenal glands and gonads that serves as a precursor to cortisol and androgens.

• Why is this test used for screening newborns?

It is used for the primary diagnosis and screening of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), specifically the type caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

• Can the 17-OHP test be used to monitor medical treatment?

Yes, it is used to monitor the effectiveness of glucocorticoid therapy in patients with adrenal hyperplasia to ensure levels return to a normal or near-normal range.

• What symptoms in infants may indicate a need for this test?

Growth and Development Hormone Test

About this service

What is included?

Conditions and notices

Frequently Asked Questions

Choose a provider and branch

Let us help you

Didn’t find the service?

Services you might also like

Cortisone Metabolite Level Check

ACTH Hormonal Balance Check

Salivary Cortisol Test

Precise Blood Pressure Balance

Your opinion matters

Was this content helpful?

Have a note?