What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're trying to understand whether a child's symptoms are caused by congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a condition affecting hormone production, or simply a stress response from being sick or unwell. It's often used when a child shows signs like unusual growth patterns, ambiguous physical development, or salt imbalances that raise questions about adrenal gland function. This panel helps sort out whether specialized care is needed for a hormone condition versus a temporary stress reaction.

How should I prepare for this test?

How can you naturally support healthy adrenal function? Getting consistent, quality sleep helps regulate the hormones your adrenal glands release throughout the day. Managing stress through calm routines, regular movement, and balanced meals can also support steady hormone patterns. Avoiding excess caffeine and staying well hydrated are simple habits that support overall adrenal health, though they won't correct an underlying genetic condition.

What's included in this test?

This panel measures several steroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands, which play a role in stress response, salt and water balance, and growth and development. Looking at these hormones together helps tell the difference between a genetic condition affecting hormone production and a short-term stress reaction from illness or other causes. Testing multiple markers at once gives a fuller picture than any single hormone level alone.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will appear in your account with each hormone level explained alongside its normal range, so you can see exactly where the values fall. Depending on what the results show, next steps may include retesting during a symptom-free period, adjusting for illness or medication timing, or seeking urgent care if a value points to a dangerous imbalance. You can download a standard lab report directly from your account at any time. The trends feature also lets you track these hormone levels over time if repeat testing is needed.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically available within about 7 days of your blood draw. Once ready, they'll be uploaded directly to your account where you can view each value along with its reference range. You'll get a notification so you know as soon as your report is ready to view.

Who should consider this test?

This test is generally considered for infants or children showing signs like unusual salt cravings, dehydration, ambiguous genital development, or unexpectedly early puberty signs. It's also useful when a child has been acutely ill or under significant physical stress and there's a need to rule out an underlying hormone condition. Parents working through a diagnostic process for adrenal-related concerns often use this panel as a key piece of information.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Signs that may point to a need for this test include poor weight gain in infants, repeated vomiting, low blood pressure, salt craving, or unusual physical development for age. In some cases, extreme fatigue or a general failure to thrive after an illness can also raise questions about adrenal function. If any of these symptoms are present, this panel can help clarify what's going on.

What is 21-hydroxylase deficiency and why does it matter?

21-hydroxylase deficiency is the most common cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a condition where the body can't properly produce certain adrenal hormones. This can lead to an imbalance where the body makes too much of some hormones and not enough of others, affecting salt balance, growth, and development. Identifying this early matters because it allows for appropriate lifestyle and medical planning going forward.

What does a high result mean on this panel?

A high level of certain steroid precursor hormones, like 17-hydroxyprogesterone, often points toward CAH rather than simple stress, since the body is trying to compensate for a blocked hormone production step. This pattern is different from what's typically seen during a temporary stress response to illness. Retesting or additional related hormone checks are often the next step to confirm the pattern.

How often should I retest?

Retesting frequency depends on the initial results and whether a child is actively sick or recovering at the time of testing, since stress can temporarily affect hormone levels. If the first test is inconclusive or taken during an illness, retesting once the child is well is a reasonable next step. For ongoing monitoring of a confirmed condition, periodic retesting on a schedule that fits the situation can help track hormone patterns over time.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Steroid Panel - CAH vs Stress Hormone Testing

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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