ACTH
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, Adrenocorticotrophic hormone
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.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a normal ACTH level?
- A typical reference range for ACTH is 7.2–63.3 pg/mL (source: ABIM). Reference ranges vary by laboratory, age, and sex, so always compare against the range on your own lab report.
- What units is ACTH measured in?
- ACTH is most commonly reported in pg/mL. Labs in different countries may use other units — you can convert between them with BloodId's blood test unit converter.
- Where do ACTH reference ranges come from?
- BloodId uses ABIM standard reference ranges and educational information from MedlinePlus (see our methodology). Reference ranges still vary by lab, age, and sex, so always compare against your own report.
- Can I track ACTH over time?
- Yes. Upload results from any lab and BloodId charts your ACTH over time against its reference range, so you can see whether the trend is rising, falling, or stable.