1. Introduction to 17-Hydroxyprogesterone

What is 17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17α-OHP)? 17α-Hydroxyprogesterone (17α-OHP) is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex and gonads. It serves as a precursor to cortisol and androgens, with minimal progesterone activity. It is converted to 11-deoxycortisol (Compound S) via 21-hydroxylation. 17α-OHP levels follow a diurnal rhythm, are higher in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, and increase significantly during pregnancy. Elevated levels are associated with conditions like congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), particularly 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

2. What is a 17-Hydroxyprogesterone Unit Converter?

Definition: The 17-Hydroxyprogesterone Unit Converter converts 17α-OHP concentrations between various units, enabling standardization of laboratory results for clinical use.

Purpose: It assists clinicians and researchers in interpreting 17α-OHP levels across different measurement units (e.g., nmol/L to ng/mL), ensuring accurate diagnosis and management of conditions like CAH, hirsutism, and infertility.

3. How Does the Unit Converter Work?

The converter uses nmol/L as the base unit and converts between the following units:

• 1 nmol/L = 0.33 ng/mL
• 1 ng/mL = 3.03 nmol/L
• 1 ng/dL = 0.0303 nmol/L
• 1 ng/100mL = 0.0303 nmol/L
• 1 ng% = 0.0303 nmol/L
• 1 ng/L = 0.00303 nmol/L
• 1 µg/L = 3.03 nmol/L

Steps:

• Input the 17α-OHP concentration in one of the provided units (e.g., nmol/L, ng/mL).
• Validate input (exactly one field must be filled, and the value must be greater than zero).
• Convert the input to nmol/L as the base unit.
• Convert the base nmol/L value to all other units.
• Display the results in their respective fields, rounded to 2 decimal places.

4. Importance of 17-Hydroxyprogesterone Unit Conversions

Converting 17α-OHP concentrations between units is critical for:

• Standardizing Results: Different labs report 17α-OHP in various units (e.g., nmol/L, ng/mL); conversion ensures consistency for diagnosis.
• Clinical Diagnosis: Accurate conversions aid in diagnosing conditions like CAH, hirsutism, acne, and infertility by comparing results to reference ranges.
• Research and Collaboration: Enables comparison of 17α-OHP data across studies or institutions using different measurement standards.

5. Clinical Significance

Elevated Levels: Significantly elevated 17α-OHP levels are seen in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Moderate increases occur in 11-hydroxylase deficiency. In late-onset CAH, levels often exceed 0.9 ng/mL in women with hirsutism. 17α-OHP is also measured to evaluate acne, male baldness, and unexplained infertility.

Normal Ranges:

• Women (follicular phase): 0.3–2.4 nmol/L (0.1–0.8 ng/mL).
• Women (luteal phase): 0.8–8.8 nmol/L (0.27–2.9 ng/mL).
• Women (last 3 months of pregnancy): 6.1–36.3 nmol/L (2–12 ng/mL).
• Men: 0.9–6.5 nmol/L (0.31–2.13 ng/mL).

6. Precautions

Medications: Clomiphene may increase 17α-OHP levels, while ampicillin and oral contraceptives may lower them. Consult a healthcare provider for accurate interpretation.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why are there different units for 17α-OHP?
A: Different units reflect varying standards; nmol/L is the SI unit, while ng/mL and ng/dL are traditional units widely used in clinical practice.

Q: What is a normal 17α-OHP level?
A: Normal ranges vary by gender, menstrual phase, and pregnancy status (e.g., 0.1–0.8 ng/mL for women in the follicular phase). Consult a healthcare provider for interpretation.

Q: Can this converter be used for other hormones?
A: No, this converter is specific to 17α-OHP; other hormones have different conversion factors. Consult a healthcare provider for accuracy.