A 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) blood test measures a steroid made by the adrenal glands and ovaries. It’s used to screen and diagnose congenital adrenal hyperplasia (especially 21‑hydroxylase deficiency), assess ambiguous genitalia, early or delayed puberty, infertility, or suspected adrenal/ovarian tumors. Levels are usually drawn in the morning; borderline results may require ACTH stimulation testing to confirm enzyme deficiency.

Normal 17‑hydroxyprogesterone (17‑OH‑progesterone) varies by menstrual phase and laboratory. Typical adult female ranges: follicular 0.2–1.3 ng/mL, mid‑cycle 0.8–3.0 ng/mL, luteal 0.6–3.0 ng/mL; postmenopausal about 0.1–0.6 ng/mL. Labs may report nmol/L (multiply ng/mL by 3.03). Elevated values can indicate congenital adrenal hyperplasia or adrenal/ovarian disorders and need further evaluation by a clinician.

A 17‑hydroxyprogesterone (17‑OH progesterone) blood test assesses whether excess androgen symptoms are due to non‑classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH) rather than PCOS. 17‑OH progesterone is a steroid precursor made by adrenal glands and ovaries; normal or mildly raised levels support PCOS, while significantly elevated results prompt further testing (often with ACTH stimulation) to diagnose CAH.

Low 17‑hydroxyprogesterone suggests reduced adrenal steroid production, often from low ACTH (secondary adrenal insufficiency or hypopituitarism) or from suppression by exogenous glucocorticoids. It can indicate impaired cortisol synthesis. Further evaluation—ACTH stimulation testing, pituitary assessment and medication review—is usually needed to find the cause and guide treatment. Clinical context and symptoms are important for interpretation.

Raised 17‑hydroxyprogesterone commonly indicates congenital adrenal hyperplasia (usually 21‑hydroxylase deficiency). In infants it can cause salt‑wasting and life‑threatening adrenal crisis; in children and adults it leads to androgen excess—virilization, early puberty, hirsutism, menstrual irregularity and reduced fertility. It may also reflect adrenal or ovarian tumors. Elevated levels require confirmatory testing and treatment with glucocorticoids ± mineralocorticoids.

Low progesterone can cause irregular or missed periods, short luteal phases and spotting, making conception or sustaining early pregnancy difficult. Other symptoms include mood swings, anxiety or depression, breast tenderness, bloating, decreased libido, insomnia or sleep disturbances, and hot flashes or night sweats. Vaginal dryness and recurrent miscarriages may also occur. Seek testing and medical advice if you suspect hormonal imbalance.