17 OH PROGESTERONE (17 OH – PROG)

Adult Male :

• 0.6 1 – 3.34 ng /ml

Female

• Follicular : 0.40 -1.02 ng /ml
• Luteal : 1.26 - 4.28 ng /ml
• OC Pills : 0.14 – 1.11 ng /ml
• Post menopausal : 0.23 - 1.36 ng /ml

Pre pubertal

• 1 M – 1 yr : 1.06 -40.41 ng /ml
• 1 yr - 13 yrs : 0.07 - 1.53 ng /ml

• 17 alpha-hydroxy progesterone is a steroid produced in the adrenal gland and gonads from cholesterol via a series of enzyme mediated steps. Serum 17 alpha—hydroxy progesterone levels are age-dependent, with peak levels observed during foetal life and the immediate postnatal period.
• As with cortisol, serum 17 alpha-hydroxy progesterone levels normally have an ACTH-dependent diurnal variation, with peak levels in the morning. Serum levels are several folds higher in luteal phase than during the follicular phase.
• 17 alpha-hydroxy progesterone is of clinical interest because it is immediate precursor to 11-deoxy cortisol formed by 21- hydroxylase activity. Its marked elevation in newborns with ambiguous genitalia aids in the diagnosis of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH).Useful in monitoring steroid replacement therapy i.e. CAH patients.

• When an infant or young child has s/s of adrenal insufficiency (Listlessness, lethargy, not eating well, Tanned skin colour, dehydration , low BP, ambiguous genitalia, Acne , Virilisation
• May be performed on boys or men when they experience Precocious puberty, Infertility

• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
• Late onset adrenal hyperplasia
• Other forms of adrenal hyperplasia including 11 hydroxylase deficiency