17 KETOSTEROIDS

17-ketosteroids are substances that form when the body breaks down male steroid sex hormones called androgens and other hormones released by the adrenal glands in males and females, and by the testes in males.

Normal Results

Normal values are as follows:

• Male: 7 to 20 mg per 24 hours
• Female: 5 to 15 mg per 24 hours

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Increased levels of 17-ketosteroids may be due to:

• Adrenal gland problems such as tumor, Cushing syndrome
• Imbalance of sex hormones in females (polycystic ovary syndrome)
• Ovarian cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Overactive thyroid
• Obesity
• Stress