Biochemistry Test

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) is a hormone released by the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. ACTH controls the production of cortisol (Stress hormone) released by the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidney (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

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During the ACTH test, the blood sample will be collected from a vein and placed in a test tube. Tests are usually done early in the morning as cortisol levels change throughout the day. So, the patient should be on an overnight fast before testing (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

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Cortisol hormone plays an important role in (2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
ACTH Stimulation Test

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• Regulates stress response
• It helps control the body’s use of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and metabolism
• Suppresses inflammation
• Regulated blood pressure
• Regulates blood sugar
• It helps in controlling the sleep-wake cycle.

Under conditions of stress, ACTH produced by the pituitary gland stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol. Both cortisol and ACTH levels are to be determined. Hydrocortisone is the major steroid hormone synthesized.

The body controls ACTH levels in a feedback system that involves the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, and some hormones. This system is called the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis (2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
ACTH Stimulation Test

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• Cushing’s syndrome
• Cushing's disease
• Addison disease
• Hypopituitarism

• High ACTH and high cortisol levels
• Low ACTH and high cortisol levels
• High ACTH and low cortisol levels
• Low ACTH and low cortisol levels. (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
  Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
  
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Symptoms of high levels of cortisol include:

• Weight gain
• Shoulder fat
• Pink or purple stretch marks
• Skin bruises
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Acne

Symptoms of low levels of cortisol include:

• Weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Skin darkening

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