ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. It is a key hormone in the body's stress response system.
Category: Hormones
Also known as: acth, adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticotropin, adrenocorticotropin
Reference range: 7.2–63.3 pg/mL (Source: ABIM)
Standard unit: pg/mL
High values may indicate
High ACTH levels may indicate Cushing's disease (pituitary tumor), ectopic ACTH syndrome (from lung or other tumors), Addison's disease (as compensatory response), or congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Low values may indicate
Low ACTH levels may indicate secondary adrenal insufficiency, pituitary damage, or Cushing's syndrome caused by an adrenal tumor or prolonged corticosteroid use suppressing ACTH production.