17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP)

Specialist

also —

What it isA steroid intermediate in the pathway from cholesterol to cortisol and androgens. Adrenals and ovaries both produce it.

DoesActs as a marker of adrenal steroid biosynthesis and a screening tool for enzyme deficiencies.

GoodCycle-appropriate 17-OHP signals normal adrenal and ovarian steroid biosynthesis.

BadElevated 17-OHP suggests congenital adrenal hyperplasia (especially non-classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency) or PCOS.

Standard

Follicular <80 ng/dL; luteal <285.

Optimal

20–80 ng/dL follicular (narrow target)

Modifiers

Cycle phase; rises with adrenal stimulation.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: Stress management.
Diet: —
Supplements: —
Peptides: —
Drugs: Glucocorticoid replacement in classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

within Women's Hormones