Analysis of 17-Oh progesterone


17-Oh progesterone - one of the hormones of female sexual sphere, which is involved in the regulation of the normal menstrual cycle. It is produced in the adrenal glands, therefore, is primarily a marker for determining the nature of the functioning of this gland.

So, one of the main indications that can take into account the healthcare provider when the analysis of 17-Oh progesterone, is an abnormal growth of the adrenal cortex, which can be either congenital or acquired. Among specialists in endocrinology, gynecology, and other branches of medicine, this symptom is called adrenal hyperplasia. He, in turn, causes disruption to their normal functioning: in particular, the diagnosis "the growth of the adrenal cortex" can be confirmed by the increased level of 17-Oh progesterone.

Delivery and interpretation of analysis


Obtaining material for analysis is in the form of blood sampling from the vein. In order to provide maximum reliability of the result of analysis of 17-Oh progesterone, like many other tests should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach: this means that since the last meal should take at least 8 hours.

At the same time it should be borne in mind that the amount of the hormone 17-Oh progesterone and other female hormones, is directly related to the phase of the menstrual cycle and is heavily dependent on it. In particular, the approach of ovulation leads to an increase in the level of this hormone compared with the normal for the specific patient indication. Therefore, commonly in case there are suspicions on malfunction of the adrenal glands doctors monitor the level of 17-Oh progesterone during both major phases of the cycle.

So, to establish its level in the first, follicular phase, when the figure is regular for women, testing for 17-Oh progesterone is appointed for 3-5 days of the menstrual cycle. The normal value for 17-Oh progesterone in blood of the patient in this period was 0.32—2,23 nmol/L. higher hormone levels can indicate adrenal disease.

To control the maximum level of 17-Oh progesterone usually carried out the second study, which should occur in the luteal phase of the cycle, when the amount of the hormone in the body is elevated. As a rule, the doctor prescribes a change of such analysis for 22-23 days of the menstrual cycle. During this period, the normal value located within the boundaries of 6.99—56,63 nmol/L.