17-Hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) are metabolites of cortisol and other adrenal hormones.

Measurement of urinary 17-OHCS provides an indirect assessment of adrenal cortical activity.

Clinical uses include:

Diagnosing Cushing’s syndrome (excess cortisol).

Detecting Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency).

Evaluating pituitary-adrenal axis function.

Monitoring adrenal disorders and treatment response.

The test is performed on a 24-hour urine sample.

Analyte: 17-Hydroxycorticosteroid metabolites in urine.

Normal Range: ~2–10 mg/24 hr (varies by lab and age).

Abnormal Findings:

Elevated 17-OHCS: Suggests Cushing’s syndrome, adrenal hyperplasia, or stress.

Low 17-OHCS: Suggests Addison’s disease, pituitary insufficiency, or adrenal suppression.

Clinical Use:

Provides a functional measure of adrenal cortical hormone secretion.

Helps differentiate causes of abnormal cortisol metabolism.

Guides further endocrine evaluation and management.