17-OH progesterone regulates sexual development and sexual behavior. In emergency situations, it helps to cope with the negative influence of stress, normalises psycho-emotional state. During pregnancy is involved in embryogenesis.
What is the 17-OH progesterone and for which it is responsible
It represents a transitional product that regulates the endocrine glands, and general metabolism. Alternative names - 17-OHP, 17-ET, hydroxyprogesterone. The concentration of progesterone in women than in men. The active compound is synthesized by the adrenal glands and reproductive organs. Hydroxyprogesterone formed by an ordinary chemical reaction of progesterone and 17-hydroxy pregnenolone.
In pregnant women, a hormone produced in the placenta and genitals, if it enters the blood forms estradiol. In the male, it is synthesized in the testis, and then converted into androstenedione - testosterone precursor. The plasma concentration of 17-hydroxyprogesterone varies depending on the time of day. The highest level of active ingredient in the blood falls on the early morning, the minimum value is fixed at night.
The indicator affect phases of the menstrual cycle at ovulation it rises, and then gradually decreases. progesterone levels depends on the serum concentrations of estradiol and progesterone in the body of a pure woman.
The hormone 17-OH progesterone performs the following functions in the body:
- He is responsible for the production of cortisol, androstenedione and sex of gamete;
- regulates puberty;
- increases the resistance to stress;
- controls the phase of the menstrual cycle;
- involved in the biochemical processes occurring during fertilization oocyte, is responsible for during embryogenesis;
- regulate human sexual behavior.
17-OH progesterone reaches maximum concentration at 4 months of embryonic development and at birth. Premature babies are at an increased rate.
The normal level of 17-OHP is reduced in infants within one week after birth.
Many do not know what kind of hormone, so it is often confused and progesterone. The latter is the pregnancy hormone that controls embryonic development of the fetus and prevents the development of premature birth. The substance 17-OH is transitional, partially fulfilling the function of progesterone for 3-4 months pregnant.
When administered analysis
Determine the level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone necessary when hormonal failures and the increased activity of the adrenal cortex. Plasma concentrations of 17-OPG shows general and biochemical blood tests. Carrying out laboratory tests prescribed for the following disease states:
- malignant and benign tumors in the adrenal glands and ovaries;
- disruption of the endocrine system: hair on the face, chest and back pain in women, menstrual disruptions;
- infertility provoked by hormonal imbalance;
- treatment of steroid drugs;
- congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Men and children of the procedure is indicated for suspected cancer of the adrenal glands and reproductive organs, hormonal disorders. They can take the analysis in any convenient day.
On what day of the cycle take
The general analysis of women in the 17-hydroxyprogesterone is necessary to hand in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle for 5 days after the onset of bleeding. Through this approach, laboratory tests must show the exact concentration of 17 OD in the blood.
Analyze after 20 days from the beginning of the cycle is impractical because the hormone level is reduced, and the result will not be reliable.
How to get tested
Analysis of 17-OH progesterone requires special training. Before the laboratory examination is forbidden to eat food, sweet and fizzy drinks for 8 hours prior to blood donation. Permitted only the use of water in unlimited quantities. So that patients do not feel hunger, the procedure to determine the 17-OH progesterone is carried out until 11:00. At least 2-3 hours before the analysis can not smoke.
In particular cases, laboratory testing to determine serum levels of progesterone 17-0N carried out on the third day of the cycle. In this case, the woman should sleep well and not subjected to stress.
Decoding results
Decryption blood test holds gynecologist. If the 17-OH progesterone is in the normal range, it means that the cause hormonal disruption is not a problem with the sexual organs, or violation of the adrenal glands.
Increased concentration of 17 OPG says about the possible development of the following diseases:
- cancer of the adrenal glands, the ovaries;
- infertility;
- congenital disease of the adrenal cortex.
Reduced rate 17-OH in 85 cases out of 100 provoked deficient enzyme that is involved in the production of cortisol in the adrenal cortex. In other situations, the lack of active substance is caused by improper conduct of hormone replacement therapy.
norm
17-OH progesterone, the rate of which varies according to age and sex, is determined once during the general analysis of blood. Indicators 17 SNPs can be found in the following table:
| Group | The norm in nmol / l |
| Infants up to 1 week | 0,7-2,3 |
| Children under 13 years | 0,1-2,85 |
| male teenagers up to 18 years | 0,2-5,3 |
| female adolescents up to 18 years | 0,1-7 |
| men | 0,9-6 |
| The norm in women during ovulation | 0,2-2,4 |
| Women in the 2nd phase of the cycle | 0,9-8,7 |
| I trimester of pregnancy | 4,1-9,5 |
| II trimester | 6,4-15,9 |
| III Plus | 15-,9-26,4 |
Causes and consequences of deviations
Provoke abnormal 17-OH progesterone may be the following pathologies:
- genetic diseases of the adrenal cortex;
- receiving steroids, drug overdose;
- dysfunction of sexual organs;
- endocrine disease;
- malignant tumors in the adrenal glands, reproductive organs.
Pathological states accompanied by acute pain and mood swings. In the absence of early treatment at increased hormone having the following consequences:
- diabetes;
- hypertonic disease;
- cardiovascular disease;
- an increase in serum levels of bad cholesterol;
- increased hairiness;
- menstruation failure;
- acne and increased secretion of the sebaceous glands.
If the 17-hydroxyprogesterone downgraded, may develop the following complications:
- Addison's disease;
- lesion of the genitourinary system;
- migraine;
- rapid weight gain, obesity;
- miscarriage in the I trimester of pregnancy;
- rejection ovum IVF;
- false hermaphroditism.
How To Improve
Increase the plasma concentrations of the hormone allows a lifestyle change, and receive funds of alternative medicine. In severe cases assigned medication.
Traditional methods
To improve OH progesterone, you can take the following folk remedies:
- Drink tea from raspberry leaves. They contain large amounts of vitamin C, which can stabilize the endocrine function of adrenal and amplify synthesis hydroxyprogesterone. Drink tool during the day up to 4-5 times a day before meals.
- 100 g of Scutellaria baicalensis roots pour 500 ml of ethanol, insist for a month, is filtered off. Take 20 drops diluted in a glass of water, 3 times a day.
- 2 tbsp. l. K. prostrata is poured 500 ml of boiled water, means about 2 hours. Drink as a tea before a meal during the day.
- 1 tbsp. l. Astragalus pour 250 ml hot water and pushing half hour. Drinking after meals 3 times 100 ml per day.
Food
To increase the hormone content in the blood plasma, in addition to receiving the drugs and folk remedies, it is recommended to adhere dietetics. To do this, the diet includes foods high in zinc:
- legumes, especially beans;
- cereals: wheat bran, rice;
- rabbit and chicken meat;
- dried figs, raspberries.
medicines
To increase the plasma concentration of hormone administered drugs, mainly the active ingredient which is progesterone. Medicaments available in tablet form or in the form of suppositories for external use.
It is strictly forbidden to carry out self-treatment at home. Otherwise dosage disorder may lead to breakdown of the endocrine system.
How to reduce the concentration of
Suspected high level of hormone may be by increasing the glucose concentration. Pathological process was accompanied by decreased performance, the appearance of chronic fatigue, weakness, seizures, severe headaches and dizziness.
Increased rate of 17-hydroxyprogesterone reduced using agents from the group of corticosteroids. The duration of medical treatment is 3-6 months. To adjust the dosage of drugs and to assign the further treatment regimen, recommend repeated analysis for determination of plasma concentrations of 17-OHP during treatment.
If the pathological process triggered the cancer of the reproductive system or the adrenal cortex bodies appointed by surgery. After removal of the tumor hormonal artificially adjusted with drugs.
During the period of drug therapy is necessary to stick to the diet. The diet include products with a high content of ascorbic acid. Vitamin C stabilizes the operation of the adrenal glands, improves microcirculation in the small pelvis, stabilize hormonal organs. The daily menu should be present:
- Citrus: pomelo, grapefruit, lemons, oranges and tangerines;
- acid berries: currants, cranberries, rosehips, raspberry;
- apples;
- leafy greens: sorrel, cilantro;
- apricots;
- some vegetables: radish, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes.
Besides the basic complex therapy may be carried out an additional treatment of folk remedies. Nontraditional methods made from the following plants:
- carrot seeds;
- leaves and rose hips;
- rowan berries;
- dried cloves;
- upland uterus.
Decoctions and infusions are required to take in the next six months to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Through the use of folk remedies is enhanced blood flow to the adrenal glands and sexual organs, which is produced hydroxyprogesterone. As a result of its normal level, to stabilize the general condition of the person, there is a feeling of cheerfulness, uplifting and efficiency increases.
