17-Ketosteroids 24-Hour Urine Test – Accurate Hormone Level Analysis

Description

17-Ketosteroids (24-Hour Urine) Lab Test – Comprehensive Assessment of Androgen Metabolism & Adrenal Function

The 17-Ketosteroids (24-Hour Urine) Test from Lab Tests Dubai is a specialized diagnostic assay that measures the total excretion of 17-ketosteroids (17-KS) over a full 24-hour period—key metabolites of androgenic steroid hormonessuch as testosterone and DHEA.

Primarily produced by the adrenal cortex and, to a lesser extent, the gonads, 17-ketosteroids are breakdown products of androgens excreted in urine. Elevated or reduced levels can signal:

• Adrenal tumors (adenoma, carcinoma)
• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
• Cushing’s syndrome
• Androgen-secreting ovarian or testicular tumors
• Hirsutism, virilization, or early puberty

Using advanced spectrophotometry, this test delivers highly accurate results within 10 days, making it essential for:

• Evaluating suspected adrenal hyperactivity
• Diagnosing non-classical CAH or adrenal cancer
• Monitoring treatment response in hormonal disorders

Available with home urine collection kits, Lab Tests Dubai ensures accurate, convenient, and stress-free testing—ideal for patients with complex endocrine conditions.

Why You Need This Test

If you or your child are experiencing signs of androgen excess or adrenal dysfunction, this test could reveal the root cause.

You need the 17-Ketosteroids Test if:

• You have unexplained hirsutism, acne, or male-pattern hair loss (women)
• You’re being evaluated for adrenal or gonadal tumors
• You show signs of Cushing’s syndrome (moon face, central obesity)
• Your child has precocious puberty (before age 8 in girls, 9 in boys)
• You have infertility or irregular periods with high androgens
• You’ve had abnormal DHEA-S or testosterone results

While DHEA-S and testosterone are commonly tested, 17-KS provides a broader picture of total androgen metabolism—especially useful when tumor or adrenal source is suspected.

This test helps differentiate:

• PCOS (mild 17-KS elevation)
• Adrenal tumors (very high levels)
• Classic CAH (markedly elevated 17-KS)

Symptoms That Indicate This Test

Consider the 17-Ketosteroids Test if you or your child experience:

✅ For Women:

• Excess facial/body hair (hirsutism)
• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
• Acne, oily skin, or hair loss
• Deepening voice or clitoromegaly (rare)

✅ For Children:

• Early pubic or axillary hair
• Rapid growth spurt
• Adult body odor in young children
• Genital abnormalities

✅ For Men & Women:

• Unexplained weight gain (especially abdominal)
• Fatigue, muscle weakness
• High blood pressure
• Purple stretch marks (striae)

✅ Other Indicators:

• Family history of adrenal disorders
• Abnormal imaging (adrenal nodule on CT/MRI)

These symptoms may point to excess androgen production—and this test evaluates total androgen output over 24 hours.

Natural Production: How 17-Ketosteroids Reflect Androgen Metabolism

17-Ketosteroids are metabolic byproducts of androgen breakdown, primarily:

• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
• Androstenedione
• Testosterone

They are produced in:

• Adrenal Cortex – main source in women and children
• Testes – in men
• Ovaries – minor contribution

After conversion in the liver, 17-KS are excreted in urine—making 24-hour urine collection the most accurate way to assess total daily androgen production.

Elevated Levels May Indicate:

• Adrenal tumors (benign or malignant)
• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
• Cushing’s syndrome (ACTH-driven adrenal stimulation)
• Androgen-secreting ovarian/testicular tumors

Low Levels:

• Adrenal insufficiency
• Hypopituitarism
• Aging or chronic illness

This test is not a first-line screening tool, but a targeted diagnostic test for complex cases.

What Happens If Untreated? Risks of Ignoring Adrenal or Androgen Disorders

Ignoring abnormal 17-ketosteroid levels can lead to:

⚠️ Progression of Adrenal Tumors – to cancer or metastasis
⚠️ Severe Virilization – irreversible changes in women
⚠️ Growth & Fertility Issues – early bone fusion → short stature
⚠️ Metabolic Syndrome – insulin resistance, diabetes, heart disease
⚠️ Adrenal Crisis – in undiagnosed CAH

The good news? Most conditions are treatable with:

• Surgery (for tumors)
• Steroid replacement (for CAH)
• Hormonal therapy (for PCOS-like symptoms)

Early testing = earlier intervention, better outcomes.

How to Prepare for the Test

To ensure accurate results:

✅ Start collection in the morning (after discarding first urine)
✅ Collect ALL urine over 24 hours in the provided preservative container
✅ Keep the container refrigerated throughout collection
✅ Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and strenuous exercise during the period
✅ Inform your doctor about medications:

• Corticosteroids
• Diuretics
• Hormonal therapies (birth control, HRT)

✅ Follow all collection instructions carefully—incomplete collection invalidates results

Our team provides a complete 24-hour urine kit with step-by-step instructions and home collection support.

Test Overview: Spectrophotometry-Based Urine Analysis

Normal Ranges (Approximate):

Interpretation:

• >20 mg/24h (women) → Suggests adrenal source of androgens
• >50 mg/24h → High suspicion of adrenal tumor or CAH
• Very high + symptoms → Requires imaging (CT/MRI) and further testing

Results are reported with clinical notes for your endocrinologist.

FAQs About the 17-Ketosteroids Test

Q: Is this test still used?
A: Yes. While DHEA-S and testosterone are more common, 17-KS is still valuable for total androgen load assessment in complex cases.

Q: Can I eat normally during collection?
A: Yes. But avoid alcohol, caffeine, and excessive meat—they may interfere.

Q: What if I miss a urine sample?
A: The test will be invalid. You’ll need to restart the 24-hour collection.

Q: Can I book without a doctor’s referral?
A: Yes! Lab Tests Dubai allows direct online booking—ideal for follow-up testing.

Q: How will I get results?
A: A secure digital report is emailed within 10 business days, including total 17-KS and clinical notes.

Q: Is this test covered by insurance?
A: Yes. Hormonal and adrenal testing is medically necessary—covered by most UAE insurers.

If you’re struggling with hirsutism, early puberty, or unexplained androgen excess, the 17-Ketosteroids (24-Hour Urine) Test gives you the comprehensive insight you need in just 10 days.