OVERVIEW:
What is the ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) lab test?
An ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) lab test is a blood test that measures the level of ACTH and cortisol circulating in your blood.
Why is an ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) lab test done?
An ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) lab test is done in order to:
- Diagnose adrenal gland problems,
- Diagnose pituitary diseases such as Cushing’s syndrome (high cortisol level),
- Diagnose Cushing’s disease (release of too much ACTH),
- Addison’s disease (adrenal gland insufficiency),
- Diagnose adrenal tumors,
- Diagnose pituitary tumors.
What does an aCTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) lab test measure?
An ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) lab test measures the amount of ACTH and cortisol circulating in the blood. ACTH is a hormone that regulates the level of steroid hormone cortisol. ACTH is produced in the pituitary gland and cortisol is released by the adrenal glands.
Are there any risks associated with this test?
There are no known risks associated with this test.
How should I prepare for this test?
No special preparation is needed for this test.
What does a high level of ACTH mean?
A high level of ACTH can be a sign of:
- Addison’s disease (adrenal gland insufficiency),
- Adrenal hyperplasia (enlargement of adrenal gland),
- Cushing’s disease (release of too much ACTH),
- Ectopic tumor.
What does a low level of ACTH mean?
A low level of ACTH can be a sign of:
- Adrenal tumor,
- Exogenous Cushing’s syndrome (excess intake of glucocorticoids causing a high cortisol level),
- Hypopituitarism (failure of pituitary gland to produce one or more hormones).
What are the symptoms of low ACTH?
Weight loss, lack of appetite (anorexia), muscle weakness, nausea and vomiting, and low blood pressure (hypotension) are some common signs of low ACTH level.
Normal range of ACTH is between 9 -52 pg/mL.
An ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) lab test is done in order to:
- Diagnose adrenal gland problems,
- Diagnose pituitary diseases such as Cushing’s syndrome (high cortisol level),
- Diagnose Cushing’s disease (release of too much ACTH),
- Addison’s disease (adrenal gland insufficiency),
- Diagnose adrenal tumors,
- Diagnose pituitary tumors.