17 oh progesterone Test

17_OH Progesterone blood test (17-OHP) is used in the diagnosis and monitoring of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency and in the identification of heterozygotes and diagnosis of mild, also referred to as late-onset and cryptic forms of CAH.

The hormone 17-hydroxyprogesterone is a building block for producing the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is produced mainly by the adrenal cortex (the outer part of the two adrenal glands located above the kidneys). Cortisol is called the "stress hormone" because it's secreted in large amounts as part of the body's response to physical or emotional stress. 

Progesterone test checks the level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone. To understand better, you must know Progesterone meaning and Progesterone function.

Progesterone meaning

Progesterone is a steroid and natural sex hormone, mainly associated with reproduction. There are many more Progesterone functions. 

Progesterone function

Progesterone functions and benefits of progesterone are seen in:

• Brain functions.

• Hormonal functions.

• Female breast functions.

• Skin health.

• Libido functions.

• Ageing process.

• Substance abuse improvement.

• Sperm development.

• Another steroid

• Stress control.

Now that you know Progesterone meaning and Progesterone function you must know about Progesterone uses. 

Vital uses and benefits of Progesterone:

• Used in menopausal hormone therapy.

• Used in insulin release, diabetes and pancreatic functions.

• Cocaine addiction control is among Progesterone uses.

• Used in stem cell Stems cells are used in vital medical therapies like cancer.

• Progesterone controls spasms.

• Relaxes muscles.

• Anti-inflammatory agent.

• Gall-bladder functions.

• Regulates the immunity system; blood clots, zinc, copper, cell oxygen levels; and fat storage.

• Possibly prevents endometrial cancer.

Other than its uses in its natural form, Progesterone supplements (topical creams, oral medicines, suppositories) are also used to increase Progesterone levels. However, do not use Progesterone supplements suspecting high Progesterone symptoms or Progesterone deficiency. Consult a doctor because there are Progesterone side effects; some can be serious. Here are some common Progesterone side effects; the list is not exhaustive:

• Dizziness

• A headache

• Breast, joint pain

• Mood swings

• Breathlessness

• Stomach problems

• Swollen body parts

• Hot flashes

• Vaginal discharge

Consult a doctor immediately in such cases.

This Progesterone blood test is used to identify people who have nonclassical adrenal hyperplasia. This condition occurs when the body does not make enough of a substance that helps the adrenal gland make cortisol. This test is mainly to check infants for an inherited disorder that affects the adrenal gland, called Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH).

It is often performed on adults to rule out any hormonal issues, especially in women to rule out cases of PCOS. Also, infants who are born with outer genitals that do not clearly look like those of a boy or a girl. Women who have excess hair growth in places where adult men grow hair or are found to have any male characteristics, such as a deep voice or an increase in muscle mass.

17 OH Progesterone is needed if there are common signs and symptoms like "salt-wasting" - dehydration, vomiting, listlessness; ambiguous genitalia in female infants; precociousness or failure of puberty and ovulation/menstrual irregularity; and virilisation.

If there are other high Progesterone symptoms like weight gain, drowsiness, depression, dizziness, discomfort in legs, and libido problems.

There are no risks. Usual blood test side effects may occur in very rare cases.

A 17-OH progesterone test is like a normal blood test. In infants, blood is taken with a simple prick in the heel.

Preparations Needed for 17 OH Progesterone Test:

• No Fasting Required.

• No other special preparations required. 

Corticosteroids, birth control pills may impact results. Please ask your doctor if you should stop them before the test. The time of the test also matters because results are sensitive to natural physical and psychological fluctuations in 24-hours. The blood is collected at a certain time during the female menstrual cycle.

Specimen type for 17 OH Progesterone: Serum (Blood Sample), Specimen collection procedure: Venipuncture Collection of blood from a vein, usually from the arm

Progesterone test results come in 24 to 36 Hours.

Increased Progesterone could indicate CAH or adrenal tumour. Progesterone deficiency could indicate different problems in men and women. Please consult a doctor for a diagnosis.

Other tests related to Progesterone blood test

• Echinococcus

• Lead (Pb)

• Total T4 (Total Thyroxine)

Whether you have progesterone deficiency or excess, please consult doctors for treatment. Progesterone supplements (mentioned before) and hormone therapy can help. But never take them yourself due to Progesterone side effects.