17-hydroxycorticosteroids urine test
Definition
The 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) test measures the level of 17-OHCS in the urine.
Alternative Names
17-OH corticosteroids; 17-OHCS
How the Test is Performed
A 24-hour urine sample is needed. You will need to
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-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 cortisol. The test may be used to diagnose
The urine volume and urine creatinine are often done with 17-OHCS test at the same time. This helps the provider interpret the test.
This test is not done often now. The free
Normal Results
Normal values:
- Male: 3 to 9 mg/24 hours (8.3 to 25 µmol/24 hours)
- Female: 2 to 8 mg/24 hours (5.5 to 22 µmol/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
- A hormonal cause of 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
Urinating more than 3 liters a day (polyuria) can make the result of the test high even though cortisol production is normal.
Risks
There are no risks with this test.
References
Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) - 24-hour urine. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 6th ed. St Louis, MO: 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.
Review Date: 05/06/2019
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