Friday, February, 10, 2012

17-hydroxycorticosteroids

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

17-OH corticosteroids; 17-OHCS


Normal Values
  • Male: 4 - 14 milligrams per 24 hours
  • Female: 2 - 12 milligrams per 24 hours

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.


What abnormal results mean

Greater than normal levels of 17-OHCS may indicate:

  • Cushing syndrome caused by adrenal or pituitary tumor
  • Ectopic ACTH-producing tumor
  • Severe physical or emotional stress

Greater than normal levels may also occur with:

  • Depression
  • Hydrocortisone therapy
  • Malnutrition
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Severe high blood pressure

Lower than normal levels of 17-OHCS may indicate:

  • Adrenal hemorrhage
  • Adrenal insufficiency
  • Adrenal infarction
  • Hereditary enzyme deficiency
  • Hypopituitarism
  • Surgical removal of the adrenal gland

Review Date: 10/14/2009
Reviewed By: Ari S. Eckman, MD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)