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Hormones

17-OH Progesterone levels: what this blood test measures

17-OH Progesterone is a steroid hormone your body uses to produce cortisol and sex hormones. Monitoring this marker may help provide a more complete picture of your adrenal and hormonal health as part of preventive care.

Doctor's Assessment Included

17-OH-progesterone is an adrenal hormone measured mainly to detect congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The limit differs by laboratory, age, sex and cycle phase.

  • The guideline advises drawing blood before 8 in the morning, and in women who menstruate early in the cycle.
  • The value is higher in the luteal phase: Diagnostiek voor U then uses < 8.78 nmol/l, against < 2.12 nmol/l in the follicular phase.
  • A normal value at a random time does not rule out the mild form of CAH.

Reference Ranges

See the value that applies to you:

Choose male or female — this range differs by sex.

Enter your age — this range changes with age.

This range also depends on context such as cycle phase or sample material; the highlighted rows apply to your group.

Male Your group
nmol/L
Low 1 Normal 10 High
Female Your group
nmol/L
Low 0.3 Normal 7.5 High

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Check your own value

17-OH Progesterone: what Dutch laboratories use

Reference ranges by group, in nmol/L
Star-shl · Male · 20–29 years · a limit, not a range < 3.44 nmol/L
3.44
Star-shl · Female · 20–29 years · a limit, not a range < 2.54 nmol/L
2.54
Star-shl · Male · 30–39 years · a limit, not a range < 3.84 nmol/L
3.84
Star-shl · Female · 30–39 years · a limit, not a range < 2.57 nmol/L
2.57
Star-shl · Male · 40–49 years · a limit, not a range < 4.05 nmol/L
4.05
Star-shl · Female · 40–49 years · a limit, not a range < 2.36 nmol/L
2.36
Star-shl · Male · 50 years and older · a limit, not a range < 3.93 nmol/L
3.93
Star-shl · Female · 50 years and older · a limit, not a range < 2.05 nmol/L
2.05
Unilabs · Female · 18–50 years · follicular phase 0.45–3.00 nmol/l
0.45 3
Unilabs · Female · 18–50 years · luteal phase 1.0–8.5 nmol/l
1 8.5
Unilabs · Female · 50 years and older · a limit, not a range < 1.6 nmol/l
1.6
Unilabs · Male · 18 years and older 1.0–7.5 nmol/l
1 7.5
Certe · Female · 20–49 years 0.23–7.56 nmol/L
0.23 7.56
Certe · Female · 49–59 years 0.32–5.24 nmol/L
0.32 5.24
Certe · Female · 59–70 years 0.31–3.75 nmol/L
0.31 3.75
Certe · Female · 70–79 years 0.36–2.36 nmol/L
0.36 2.36
Certe · Male · 20–40 years 1.83–6.47 nmol/L
1.83 6.47
Certe · Male · 40–79 years 1.30–7.62 nmol/L
1.3 7.62
Diagnostiek voor U · Female · 20–29 years · a limit, not a range < 2.54 nmol/L
2.54
Diagnostiek voor U · Female · 30–39 years · a limit, not a range < 2.57 nmol/L
2.57
Diagnostiek voor U · Female · 40–49 years · a limit, not a range < 2.36 nmol/L
2.36
Diagnostiek voor U · Female · 50 years and older · a limit, not a range < 2.05 nmol/L
2.05
Diagnostiek voor U · Female · a limit, not a range · follicular phase < 2.12 nmol/L
2.12
Diagnostiek voor U · Female · a limit, not a range · luteal phase < 8.78 nmol/L
8.78
Diagnostiek voor U · Male · 20–29 years · a limit, not a range < 3.44 nmol/L
3.44
Diagnostiek voor U · Male · 30–39 years · a limit, not a range < 3.84 nmol/L
3.84
Diagnostiek voor U · Male · 40–49 years · a limit, not a range < 4.05 nmol/L
4.05
Diagnostiek voor U · Male · 50 years and older · a limit, not a range < 3.93 nmol/L
3.93
0 9.66 nmol/L

Source: Star-shl

Source: Unilabs

Source: Certe

Source: Diagnostiek voor U

Each value as the laboratory itself publishes it, retrieved in 2026.

17-OH Progesterone: what this test measures

This test measures the level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone in your blood. Elevated or reduced levels may indicate how effectively your adrenal glands and gonads are producing cortisol and sex hormones from this essential precursor.

17-OH Progesterone: why this value matters

Keeping an eye on 17-OH Progesterone may help detect early signs of adrenal imbalance or enzyme deficiencies. Understanding your baseline levels could support proactive health management. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

17-OH Progesterone: how the blood test works

Referral
No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw
A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Which test
on its own €81,-
Where
650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

17-OH Progesterone: when is testing worthwhile?

Testing may be recommended when symptoms of adrenal dysfunction or hormonal imbalance are present. Your healthcare provider might suggest early morning testing, as levels follow a diurnal pattern and are typically highest in the morning.

17-OH Progesterone: symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Some people may experience fatigue, low blood pressure, or salt cravings when 17-OH Progesterone levels are below the expected range. These symptoms could suggest insufficient adrenal hormone production. A healthcare provider can help determine the cause.

High Levels

Some people may experience acne, excess body hair, or irregular menstrual cycles when 17-OH Progesterone levels are elevated. High levels could suggest an enzyme deficiency in the adrenal pathway. Discuss results with your healthcare provider.

17-OH Progesterone: causes of a low or high value

What raises the value

  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)

    In this inherited adrenal condition, usually caused by a shortage of the enzyme 21-hydroxylase, 17-OH-progesterone builds up.

  • Mild (non-classic) CAH

    In the mild form a value measured at a random time can be normal, which is why the guideline advises drawing blood before 8 in the morning.

  • Second half of the menstrual cycle

    In the luteal phase the value is higher: Unilabs then uses 1.0 to 8.5 nmol/l, against 0.45 to 3 nmol/l in the follicular phase.

17-OH Progesterone: lifestyle and this value

Managing stress through regular exercise, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques may support healthy adrenal function. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals could also contribute to optimal hormone production. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

17-OH Progesterone: frequently asked questions

What is 17-OH Progesterone?

It is a steroid hormone precursor used by your body to produce cortisol and sex hormones.

Why would my doctor test this?

Your doctor may test it to evaluate adrenal gland function or investigate hormonal imbalances.

Do levels change during the day?

Yes, levels typically follow a diurnal pattern and are usually highest in the early morning.

17-OH Progesterone: sources

  1. Star-shl, Labbepalingen (referentiewaarden per bepaling), star-shl.nl, geraadpleegd 2026-10-01 (retrieved 2026) star-shl.nl
  2. Unilabs, Bepalingenklapper (referentiewaarden per bepaling), bepalingenklapper.nl, geraadpleegd 2026-10-01 (retrieved 2026) bepalingenklapper.nl
  3. Certe, Bepalingenwijzer (referentiewaarden per bepaling), bepalingenwijzer.certe.nl, geraadpleegd 2026-10-01 (retrieved 2026) bepalingenwijzer.certe.nl
  4. Diagnostiek voor U, eLabgids (Referentiewaarden DvU), diagnostiek.getincontrol.eu, geraadpleegd 2026-10-01 (retrieved 2026) diagnostiek.getincontrol.eu
  5. Speiser PW, et al. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Due to Steroid 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018;103(11):4043-4088. (retrieved 2026) pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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Medical reviewer

Medical standards

Dr. Naimi oversees the medical standards behind our content and assessments.

Medical policy
CIBG Ministerie van Volksgezondheid,
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17-OH Progesterone

€81,-