Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a hormone that is produced in the pituitary gland (located below the brain within the skull) to stimulate the secretion of the hormone cortisol by the adrenal glands (small organs found at the top of each kidney). Stress can stimulate the release of ACTH. Cortisol is important for regulating glucose, protein, lipid metabolism, suppressing the immune response, and maintaining blood pressure. Normally, the ACTH concentration increases when cortisol is low and falls when cortisol is high.
It is recommended in:People with insufficient cortisol production who might exhibit symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, weight loss, increased skin pigmentation, even in areas not exposed to the sun, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and salt cravings.Findings suggestive of hypopituitarism (usually due to a benign tumor that reduces pituitary gland secretion) include loss of appetite, tiredness, irregular menstrual cycle, hypogonadism (lower levels of sex hormones), decreased sex drive, frequent urination at night, and weight loss.
The Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) testAnalyzes if you are found to have low cortisol or have signs that suggest adrenal or pituitary disease. An increased ACTH concentration in the blood can mean that the patient has Cushing's disease, Addison's disease, or an ectopic ACTH-producing tumor. A decreased ACTH result can suggest an adrenal tumor that is making cortisol or hypopituitarism. Measuring both ACTH and cortisol can help to differentiate some of these conditions because the level of ACTH normally changes in the opposite direction to the level of cortisol.
The Adrenocorticotropic Hormone test is prescribed by your doctor after completing the assessment of your condition.
10 - 60 pg/mL
This test requires a blood sample.
This test can be taken at any time during the day.
Fasting is not required for this test.
There are no specific precautions for this test.
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