17-alpha-hydroxypregnenolone

What is 17-alpha-hydroxypregnenolone?

17-alpha-Hydroxypregnenolone is a hormone with a steroid structure. It is a prohormone (precursor) of another hormone DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) considered a sex steroid prohormone.  After puberty, 17-alpha-hydroxypregnenolone levels decrease. Elevated levels of 17-alpha-hydroxypregnenolone occur during pregnancy. Determination of 17-alpha-hydroxypregnenolone is performed in the diagnosis of some forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

What is congenital adrenal hyperplasia?

It is a rare disease that is genetically determined and inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that it develops when mutations occur in both copies of a person's gene. The most common cause is a deficiency  of key enzymes necessary for the synthesis of steroid hormones (cortisol and aldosterone) in the adrenal cortex.

What does the test consist of?"

The test is performed from a venous blood sample. It is advisable to draw blood in the morning hours. 3 days before the scheduled test, it is recommended to discontinue corticosteroid drugs. Such a decision can be made only after consultation with a doctor.

Waiting time for the result: up to 14 working days