The adrenocorticotropic hormone, also known as corticotrophin and the acronym ACTH, is produced by the pituitary gland and serves especially to assess problems related to the pituitary and adrenal glands. Thus, the measurement of ACTH is useful to identify situations such as Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease, ectopic secretion syndrome, lung and thyroid cancer and adrenal gland failure, for example.
The ACTH exam is usually requested by the doctor along with the cortisol measurement so that the relationship between these two hormones can be assessed, since ACTH stimulates the production of cortisol. The normal value of ACTH in the blood is up to 46 pg / mL, and may vary according to the laboratory in which the test is performed and the time of collection, since the levels of this hormone vary throughout the day, and collection is recommended by morning.
The price of the ACTH exam varies between R $ 38 and R $ 50.00 depending on the laboratory, however, it is available from SUS.
Possible changes to ACTH
ACTH is secreted gradually during the day, with higher levels at 6 and 8 am and lower levels at 9 pm and 10 pm. The production of this hormone increases mainly in stressful situations, which stimulates the production of cortisol release, which is responsible for controlling stress, anxiety and inflammation. Learn more about cortisol and what it is for.
Possible changes to ACTH can be:
High ACTH
- Cushing's syndrome, which can lead to increased production of ACTH by the pituitary gland; Primary adrenal insufficiency; Adrenogenital syndrome with decreased cortisol production; Use of amphetamines, insulin, levodopa, metoclopramide and mifepristone.
Very high concentrations of ACTH in the blood can increase the breakdown of lipids, increasing the concentration of fatty acids and glycerol in the blood, stimulating the secretion of insulin and increasing the production of the growth hormone, GH. Understand what GH is and what it is for.
Low ACTH
- Hypopituitarism; Pituitary insufficiency of ACTH - secondary adrenal; Use of corticosteroids, estrogens, spironolactone, amphetamines, alcohol, lithium, pregnancy, menstrual cycle phase, physical activity.
The test is ordered by the doctor when the person has symptoms related to an increase or decrease in cortisol in the bloodstream. Signs that can indicate high cortisol are overweight, thin and fragile skin, reddish stretch marks on the belly, acne, increased body hair and signs that can indicate low cortisol are weakness, tiredness, weight loss, skin darkening and loss of appetite.
Exam recommendations
To perform the exam, it is recommended that the person fast for at least 8 hours or according to medical advice and that the collection be made in the morning, preferably 2 hours after the person wakes up.
In addition, it is also important not to perform physical activity on the day of the exam or the day before and to reduce the consumption of carbohydrates such as bread, rice, potatoes and pasta 48 hours before the exam, as this hormone acts on the regulation of proteins, glucose and lipid metabolism.
