Hormone Test

Test : Adrenocorticotrophic hormone


Indications : The test is ordered to detect:

• Hormonal imbalances in the body
• Problems of the pituitary, such as Hypopituitarism
• Problems of the adrenal gland
• Cause of tumors in the body
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia

The blood sample for the test is acquired early in the morning, before 8 am through venipuncture. Do not eat or drink prior to the ACTH test. Avoid taking steroid - containing medications prior to the test. Consult your doctor for specific details.

Physiology : ACTH is a hormone released from the anterior pituitary gland in the brain. It is released in response to another hormone released by the hypothalamus called corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH).

To counter the increase in ACTH the cortex layer of the adrenal glands produces a steroid hormone, the cortisol, which help to counter stress. The main function of ACTH is to regulate the production of cortisol.

ACTH levels fluctuate in accordance with circadian rhythm of the human body. When ACTH levels increase the cortisol levels increase and vice versa. The ACTH test is done to detect problems in the pituitary gland and the adrenal glands.

Normal Range : ACTH,Morning-25-50pg/ml,evening-0-50pg/ml

Interpretation : Normal

Normal ACTH levels1
Morning	< 80 pg/mL or < 18 pmol/L
Evening	< 50 pg/mL or < 11 pmol/L

Abnormal

Higher-than-normal levels of ACTH may indicate the following:

• Addison’s disease - low cortisol
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia - a condition seen at birth
• Cushing’s syndrome - causes tumors in pituitary gland, thyroid, pancreas, lungs or in other parts of the body
• Emotional or physical stress

Lower-than-normal levels of ACTH may indicate:

• Damage to Pituitary gland due to surgery, stroke, radiation, head injury, or a tumor
• Adrenal gland tumors or tumors in other parts of the body

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