17-ketosteroids
17-ketosteroids are products of the metabolism of steroid hormones. This urine analysis is used to assess the function of the adrenal glands and testes, as well as to diagnose certain types of tumors. Our laboratory in Belgrade, IntroLab, provides an analysis of 17-ketosteroids in urine, enabling you to obtain accurate and reliable results.
What are 17-ketosteroids?
17-ketosteroids are a group of substances formed during the breakdown of steroid hormones in the liver. These hormones include cortisol, testosterone, and estrogen. After they are broken down, 17-ketosteroids are excreted from the body through urine.
Why is the analysis of 17-ketosteroids in urine important?
The analysis of 17-ketosteroids in urine is important because it can help diagnose various medical conditions. Elevated levels of 17-ketosteroids may indicate problems with the adrenal glands or the presence of certain types of tumors. Conversely, decreased levels may indicate Addison’s disease or hypopituitarism.
How to prepare for the analysis?
For the analysis of 17-ketosteroids, it is necessary to collect urine over 24 hours. Before starting urine collection, you should consult with your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, as some medications can affect the test results. Also, you should avoid intense physical activity the day before and during urine collection.
Interpreting the results of the 17-ketosteroids urine analysis
The results of this biochemical urine analysis are interpreted based on reference values that are established based on the range of normal values in the general population. Accordingly, normal values are:
Men: 7 to 20 mg per 24 hours
Women: 5 to 15 mg per 24 hours
It is important to note that normal values may slightly vary among different laboratories. Also, some medications and conditions can affect the results, so it is important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking before testing.
Elevated values
Elevated levels of 17-ketosteroids may indicate various medical conditions, including:
- Adrenal gland problems, such as a tumor or Cushing’s syndrome
- Hormonal imbalance in women (polycystic ovary syndrome)
- Ovarian cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Excessive activity of the thyroid gland
- Obesity
- Stress
Decreased values
Decreased levels of 17-ketosteroids may occur in:
- Insufficient hormone production by the adrenal glands (Addison’s disease)
- Kidney damage
- Insufficient hormone production by the pituitary gland (hypopituitarism)
- Removal of the testes (castration)
Sample and preparation: 17-ketosteroids
- Sample
- 24h urine
- Sampling
- Urine collection
- Result in
- up to 8 days
- Preparation
- Prepare a bottle for collecting 24-hour urine (determine whether one or more 2-liter bottles are needed). Discard the first morning urine portion (do not pour it into the bottle). Collect all other urine portions during the day and night in the bottle. Add the first morning portion of the next day to the bottle and deliver the entire amount of urine to the laboratory for analysis. For certain analyses, it is necessary to first pour a preservative into the bottle – ask in the laboratory about the procedure.
- Category
- Urine analysis
Frequently asked questions
What are 17-ketosteroids?
17-ketosteroids are a group of substances formed during the breakdown of steroid hormones in the liver. These hormones include cortisol, testosterone and estrogen. Once broken down, 17-ketosteroids are excreted from the body in urine, which is why IntroLab laboratory measures them from a 24-hour urine sample.
Why is the 17-ketosteroids urine test important?
The 17-ketosteroids urine test is important because it can help diagnose various medical conditions. Elevated 17-ketosteroid levels may point to problems with the adrenal glands or to certain types of tumors. On the other hand, decreased levels may point to Addison’s disease or hypopituitarism. The result from IntroLab laboratory is interpreted by a doctor.
How do I prepare for the test?
The 17-ketosteroids test requires collecting urine over 24 hours. Before you start collecting, talk to your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking, because some of them can affect the test results. You should also avoid intense physical activity the day before and during urine collection.