URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/adrenocorticotropic-hormone-acth/
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This test measures the level of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the blood. ACTH is a hormone made by the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain. ACTH controls the production of another hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is made by the adrenal glands, two small glands located above the kidneys. Cortisol plays an important role in helping you to: Too much or too little cortisol can cause serious health problems. Other names: Adrenocorticotropic hormone blood test, corticotropin
An ACTH test is often done along with a cortisol test to diagnose disorders of the pituitary or adrenal glands. These include: You may need this test if you have symptoms of too much or too little cortisol. Symptoms of too much cortisol include:
Symptoms of too little cortisol include: You may also need this test if you have symptoms of hypopituitarism. Symptoms will vary depending on the severity of the disease, but may include the following:
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes. You may need to fast (not eat or drink) overnight before testing. Tests are usually done early in the morning because cortisol levels change throughout the day. There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly. Results of an ACTH test are often compared with the results of cortisol tests and may show one of the following:
If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results. A test called an ACTH stimulation test is sometimes done instead of an ACTH test to diagnose Addison disease and hypopituitarism. An ACTH stimulation test is a blood test that measures cortisol levels before and after you've received an injection of ACTH. Learn how to cite this page ACTH deficiency (ACTHD) causes nausea/vomiting, decreased appetite, hypoglycemia, and fatigue (Sklar and Constine, 1995; From: Craniopharyngiomas, 2015
Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands don’t make enough of the hormone cortisol. You have two adrenal glands. They are located just above the kidneys. They work with the hypothalamus and pituitary glands in the brain. Cortisol helps break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in your body. It also controls blood pressure and affects how your immune system works. Adrenal insufficiency can be primary or secondary:
What causes adrenal insufficiency?Primary adrenal insufficiency is most often caused when your immune system attacks your healthy adrenal glands by mistake. Other causes may include:
A lack of the hormone ACTH leads to secondary adrenal insufficiency. That can happen if you must take certain steroids for a long time due to a health problem. For example, people with asthma or rheumatoid arthritis may need to take prednisone. Other causes include:
What are the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency?You may have mild symptoms when you are under physical stress. Each person’s symptoms will vary. Symptoms may include:
If not treated, adrenal insufficiency may lead to:
These symptoms may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is adrenal insufficiency diagnosed?Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history. You will also need an exam. Tests that can diagnose adrenal insufficiency include:
How is adrenal insufficiency treated?Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment for you based on:
You will need to take hormones to replace those that your adrenal glands are not making. That mainly means cortisol. But if you have Addison's disease, you may need to take aldosterone as well. Addison's disease can be deadly. Treatment often starts with IV (intravenous) fluids and medicines called corticosteroids. You may take these medicines by mouth or by IV. You may have to take them for the rest of your life. You may also need to take other medicines (fludrocortisones). These can help keep your body's sodium and potassium levels normal. What are the complications of adrenal insufficiency?You may have sudden severe symptoms. This is called acute adrenal insufficiency, or Addisonian crisis. This can occur when your body is stressed. That can happen for many reasons, such as an illness, fever, surgery, or dehydration. You may also have a crisis if you stop taking your steroids or lower the amount of your steroids suddenly. The symptoms of an Addisonian crisis include the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency or Addison’s disease. But if an Addisonian crisis is not treated, it can lead to: Living with adrenal insufficiencyTake your medicine exactly as prescribed. You should also carry a medical alert card or tag at all times. This can make sure you get proper treatment if there is an emergency. When traveling always carry an emergency kit with a shot of cortisol. When should I call my healthcare provider?Any condition that stresses your body can affect how much medicine you need. Call your healthcare provider if:
Get medical help right away if you have sudden severe symptoms (Addisonian crisis). Key points about adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease)
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