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17-Hydroxyprogesterone

Meaning

17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) is a crucial endogenous steroid hormone that serves as an intermediate in the complex biosynthesis pathways of other vital steroid hormones, including cortisol and sex hormones. Measuring the concentration of this specific steroid precursor is a standard clinical tool, offering insight into adrenal and gonadal function. Elevated levels of 17-OHP are often indicative of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic disorder affecting cortisol production. Its role as a key metabolic branch point makes it a critical marker in endocrine diagnostics.