Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
ACTH
Description
"Adrenocorticotropic Hormone" (ACTH) test measures ACTH levels in your blood to assess how your pituitary gland regulates cortisol production. Doctors use it when symptoms like fatigue, low blood pressure, or unexplained weight changes suggest adrenal or pituitary disorders. Elevated ACTH may indicate Addison’s disease, while low levels could suggest Cushing’s syndrome or pituitary dysfunction. Results help clarify hormone-related symptoms and guide next steps such as imaging or further testing. Regular monitoring supports accurate diagnosis and personalized endocrine care.
Category
Hormones
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Units
Picograms Per Milliliter | Picomoles Per Liter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Complete Adrenal Group
Test Group Description
Complete Adrenal Group: Essential tests for a comprehensive evaluation of adrenal gland function, aiding in the diagnosis and management of adrenal disorders.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: Not Available
SI Unit: Not Available
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 10.00–60.00 pg/mL (Morning) | < 20.00 pg/mL (Afternoon)
SI Unit: 2.20–13.20 pmol/L (Morning) | < 4.40 pmol/L (Afternoon)
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency due to damage to the adrenal glands)
Cushing's syndrome (excessive cortisol production)
Ectopic ACTH syndrome (ACTH production by tumors outside the pituitary gland)
Stress-adrenogenital syndrome (adrenal gland overactivity due to stress)
Decre...
Key Reasons For Testing
Assessment of Adrenal Function: Evaluates adrenal gland performance by analyzing ACTH and cortisol levels.
Diagnosis of Adrenal Insufficiency: Identifies adrenal dysfunction by measuring ACTH and cortisol.
Cushing's Syndrome Evaluation: Detects abnormal ACTH levels to diagnose Cushing’s syndrome.
Adrenal Tumor Localization: Helps locate ACTH-producing tumors in ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome.
Pituitary Function Assessment: Evaluates how well the pituitary gland regulates ACTH production.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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