17-OH progesterone is an intermediate variant of the synthesis of adrenal hormones: glucocorticoids, estrogens and androgens. 17-ON progesterone refers to male hormones. In the female body, 17-OH progesterone is produced by the adrenals and ovaries.
Effect of 17-OH progesterone on the body of a woman
In a woman in the body, 17-OH progesterone affects the possibility of conception and the period of gestation, as this hormone participates in reproductive activity. In addition, the male hormones in the body of a woman play a role at the beginning of puberty, are responsible for the transformation of hormones into estrogens. In the female body, male hormones are produced less than in males. But when they increase above the physiological level, hyperandrogenia develops. In most cases, this pathology is diagnosed before or during puberty.
Rates of 17-OH progesterone
The level of 17-OH progesterone is elevated at the onset of the birth of the baby, especially if it was born prematurely. After the first week of a child's life, the hormone level decreases and remains so until puberty begins. After the onset of puberty, the level of 17-OH progesterone rises to the level of the hormone in adults:
- 0.2 - 2.3 ng / ml in men;
- 0.2 - 1.2 ng / ml in women in the follicular phase;
- 1.0 - 4.5 ng / ml in women in the luteal phase;
- 2.0 - 12.0 ng / ml in pregnant women.
17-OH progesterone elevated - causes
The reason for increasing 17-OH progesterone may be the presence of a pathology such as:
- congenital adrenal hyperplasia;
- deficiency of 21-hydroxylase and 11-b hydroxylase;
- tumors of the ovaries and adrenal glands.
Elevated levels of 17-OH progesterone are observed during pregnancy, which is a physiological norm. If 17-OH progesterone is elevated beyond the period of pregnancy, then you should consult a doctor for advice and take tests for hormones.
17-OH progesterone elevated - symptoms
A high level of 17-OH progesterone can cause such symptoms in women:
- excess hair growth and thinning;
- absence or irregular menstruation;
- violation of blood sugar level;
- acne .
In the absence of adequate therapy, such symptoms can progress to a serious pathology, such as:
- violation of insulin resistance;
- diabetes;
- high pressure;
- increased cholesterol;
- heart problems.
In the presence of a syndrome of polycystic ovaries, the hormone 17-OH progesterone can be increased, therefore, in detecting this disease it is necessary to pass tests for hormones.
Elevated 17-OH progesterone and acne
One of the symptoms of increasing 17-OH progesterone are skin rashes or pimples. When the level of this hormone decreases, the symptomatology goes away. Therefore, when treating this dermatological problem, it is necessary to apply not only locally cosmetic means, but also normalize the hormonal background.
How to reduce 17-OH progesterone?
Treatment with an elevated level of 17-OH progesterone is carried out by hormonal drugs. For example, dexamethasone or methylprednisolone. When taking these medications, there may be some increase in weight, because they hold water. There are no other side effects, because in the treatment of infertility
The scheme of treatment and reception of drugs is prescribed by the doctor depending on the clinical manifestations of the disease, the phases of the menstrual cycle. The daily dose should be divided into several doses. The time between taking the drug should be the same. You can take medication after a meal, if there are problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Periodically, you need to take a blood test, check the hormone level and the effectiveness of treatment.
With infertility before the onset of pregnancy, the course of treatment can last from three to six months.