Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Stimulation
CRHST
Description
"Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH) Stimulation" test assesses how your body responds to CRH to evaluate adrenal and pituitary function. It’s often ordered when doctors suspect conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or Addison’s disease. The test involves a CRH injection followed by timed blood draws to monitor ACTH and cortisol responses. Abnormal results may point to HPA axis dysfunction. This test supports diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency and helps guide personalized hormone therapy or further evaluation.
Category
Hormones
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Plasma
Units
Micrograms Per Deciliter | Nanomoles Per Liter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Hormone Health Group
Test Group Description
Hormone Health Group: Its focus is on evaluating hormone levels and function, providing insights into hormonal balance and associated health conditions.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: Not Available
SI Unit: Not Available
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: >20.00 mcg/dL [within 30–60 minutes]
SI Unit: >552 nmol/L [within 30–60 minutes]
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Primary adrenal insufficiency (Adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol)
Secondary adrenal insufficiency (Pituitary gland does not produce enough adrenocorticotropic hormone)
Tertiary adrenal insufficiency (Hypothalamus does not produce enough corticotropin-releasing hormone)
Cushing's disease (Excessive production of cortisol due to a pituitary tumor)
Key Reasons For Testing
Adrenal Insufficiency Diagnosis: Evaluates adrenal gland response to detect inadequate cortisol production.
Pituitary Function: Assesses ACTH secretion to evaluate the pituitary-adrenal axis.
HPA Axis Dysfunction: Identifies abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
Cushing’s Syndrome Confirmation: Confirms excessive cortisol production.
Stress Response: Provides insights into cortisol production under stress.
Treatment Monitoring: Tracks response to therapies for adrenal or HPA disorders.
Adrenal Function Reserve: Evaluates cortisol reserve capacity for stress adaptation.
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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