Medical Health Encyclopedia

17-ketosteroids

How the test will feel:

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

Why the test is performed:

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This test may be performed when any of the disorders associated with abnormal levels of the "male" steroid sex hormones (androgens) are suspected. 17-ketosteroids are metabolites (break-down products) of androgens and other steroid hormones that are secreted from the adrenal cortex. In men, most of the hormone metabolites come from the adrenal cortex and a smaller amount from the testes. In women and children, almost all androgens are derived from the adrenal cortex.

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