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17-OH progesterone
An adrenal steroid intermediate — the key test for congenital adrenal hyperplasia and a marker of androgen excess in women.
Other names: 17-hydroxyprogesterone, 17-OHPSection: Hormones
Updated: August 31, 2026·MedProtect editorial team Reference information — not a diagnosis or a prescription
In short17-OH progesterone is an intermediate in cortisol synthesis. A typical reference is up to 290 ng/dL (8.79 nmol/L) for women in the follicular phase and up to 139 ng/dL (4.21 nmol/L) for men. Marked elevation points to congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Reference ranges
Group
Reference range
Women (follicular phase) — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
0–290 ng/dL (0–8.79 nmol/L)
Men — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
0–139 ng/dL (0–4.21 nmol/L)
Children before puberty — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
about up to 100 ng/dL (up to 3.03 nmol/L)
Ranges from the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (international reference, not a national standard). Laboratories quote phase-specific intervals — the report's reference applies.
Check your value
Enter the number from your lab report — see how it compares with the typical range. Mind the units shown in the chosen row.
A rough comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary between laboratories — check the range on your own report and let a clinician interpret the result.
What this marker is
When the enzyme 21-hydroxylase is deficient, 17-OHP accumulates and is diverted into androgens — this is congenital adrenal hyperplasia, the main reason for testing. Milder late-onset forms present in women with acne, excess hair, and irregular cycles.
In women the level varies with the cycle, so the test is scheduled in the morning during the follicular phase (usually days 2–5), unless the provider says otherwise.
When it is high
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia21-hydroxylase deficiency is the most common cause of marked elevation; an ACTH stimulation test confirms it.
Polycystic ovary syndromeModerate elevation occurs in PCOS; the test is part of the workup for androgen excess.
Adrenal or ovarian tumorsA rare cause of pronounced elevation — imaging follows.
When it is low
Adrenal insufficiencyLow 17-OHP together with low cortisol points to adrenal failure.
What can skew the result
These factors can shift the value without any disease — worth considering before a retest:
Cycle phase and time of dayStressPregnancyHormonal medications
How to prepare
Morning fasting sample; for women — in the follicular phase (days 2–5 of the cycle) unless the provider says otherwise. Heavy exertion and stress are avoided the day before.
When a retest makes sense
Moderate elevations are confirmed with a repeat test or an ACTH stimulation test as the provider decides.
Who usually reviews this result
A result outside the reference range is usually reviewed by: an endocrinologist; a gynecologist-endocrinologist for women. Bring your lab report and any previous results to the appointment.
Names used on lab reports
Your report may use any of these names: 17-OH progesterone17-OHP17-hydroxyprogesterone
Units and conversion
Measured in: ng/dL
ng/dL=nmol/L
nmol/L = ng/dL × 0.0303. Results are rounded to 2 decimal places.
Several markers on your report?
See how MedProtect explains results in the app: the whole report, a check of the recognized values, and a clear breakdown.
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