21-Deoxycortisol Unit Converter

21-Deoxycortisol is a steroid hormone that sits on a minor branch of the cortisol production pathway. It forms when the enzyme 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1) converts 17α-hydroxyprogesterone before 21-hydroxylation can occur.

In healthy individuals, only trace amounts are produced because the normal cortisol pathway (via 21-hydroxylase) dominates. When 21-hydroxylase is impaired, this alternative route becomes much more active, causing 21-deoxycortisol to accumulate.

Unlike 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, 21-deoxycortisol is produced exclusively in the adrenal glands and not in the gonads. This makes it a highly specific marker for adrenal 21-hydroxylase deficiency, the most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

Produced exclusively in the adrenal glands by the enzyme 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1) acting on 17α-hydroxyprogesterone. Unlike related steroid precursors, 21-deoxycortisol is not synthesized in the ovaries or testes.