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17-hydroxycorticosteroid urine test

17-OH corticosteroids; 17-OHCS

 

The 17-hydroxycorticosteroid test measures the level of 17-OHCS in the urine.

How the Test is Performed

 

A 24-hour urine sample is needed. You will need to collect your urine over 24 hours . Your health care provider will tell you how to do this. Follow instructions exactly so that the results are accurate.

 

How to Prepare for the Test

 

The provider will instruct you, if necessary, to stop medicines that may interfere with the test. These may include:

  • Birth control pills that contain estrogen
  • Certain antibiotics
  • Glucocorticoids

 

How the Test will Feel

 

The test involves only normal urination. There is no discomfort.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

17-hydroxycorticosteroid (17-OHCS) is a product formed when the liver and other body tissues break down the steroid hormone, cortisol.

This test can help determine if the body is producing too much of the hormone, cortisol. The test may be used to diagnose Cushing syndrome . This is a disorder that occurs when the body has a high level of cortisol.

 

Normal Results

 

Normal values:

  • Male: 4 to 14 mg per 24 hours
  • Female: 2 to 12 mg per 24 hours

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

A higher than normal level of 17-OHCS may indicate:

  • A type of Cushing syndrome caused by a tumor in the adrenal gland that produces cortisol
  • Depression
  • Hydrocortisone therapy
  • Malnutrition
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Severe high blood pressure
  • Severe physical or emotional stress
  • Tumor in the pituitary gland or elsewhere in the body that releases a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

A lower than normal level of 17-OHCS may indicate:

  • Adrenal glands are not producing enough of their hormones
  • Pituitary gland is not producing enough of its hormones
  • Hereditary enzyme deficiency
  • Previous surgery to remove the adrenal gland

 

Risks

 

There are no risks with this test.

 

 

Open References

References

Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. 17-hydroxycorticosteroid - urine. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:659-660.

Juszczak A, Morris DG, Grossman AB, Nieman LK. Cushing's syndrome. In: Jameson JL, De Groot LJ, de Kretser DM, et al, eds. Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 13.

 

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              Tests for 17-hydroxycorticosteroid urine test

               
               

              Review Date: 10/28/2015

              Reviewed By: Brent Wisse, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Nutrition, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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