ACTH Normal Range
The normal range for Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level may fluctuate based on the laboratory conducting the test and the specific methodology employed for analysis. ACTH is typically measured in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). The timing of the test can affect the results significantly. Normal ranges for adults are 10-60 pg/mL (1.3- 16.7 pmol/L) for a sample taken in the early morning; less than 20 pg/mL (4.5 pmol/L) for a sample taken in the late afternoon. Deviation from these ranges may indicate high ACTH levels can suggest Cushing syndrome and low ACTH levels may be indicative of Addison disease or hypopituitarism.
Low level ACTH
A low level of ACTH could suggest:
- The most common scenario is the suppression of Adrenocorticotropic hormone production due to glucocorticoid medication.
- Overproduction of cortisol due to an adrenal gland tumor.
- Hypopituitarism which means insufficient hormone production by the pituitary gland, including Adrenocorticotropic hormone.
- A typical outcome following the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test.
Low ACTH Symptoms
- Fatigue and weakness
- Low blood pressure
- weight loss
- Abdominal pain and nausea
- Salt craving
- darkening of skin
- Hypoglycaemia
High level ACTH
A high level of ACTH could suggest:
- Insufficient cortisol production by the adrenal glands indicating Addison’s disease.
- Overactivity or tumor formation in one or more endocrine glands as observed in multiple endocrine neoplasia type I.
- Deficient hormone production by the adrenal glands as seen in congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
- Excessive ACTH secretion by the pituitary gland, known as Crushing’s disease, often due to a non-cancerous pituitary tumor.
- Uncommon tumor located in the lung, thyroid or pancreas, causing excessive ACTH production leading to ectopic Cushing syndrome.
High ACTH Symptoms
- Weight gain
- High blood pressure
- Muscle weakness and fatigue
- Mood changes
- Glucose intolerance
- Thin and fragile skin
- Excessive hair growth and acne
- Menstural irregularities
- Cognitive changes
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), also known as adrenocorticotropin or corticotropin, is a peptide hormone synthesised and released by the anterior pituitary gland. It serves both as a therapeutic agent and a diagnostic tool. ACTH plays a crucial role in the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and is typically generated in reaction to physiological stress. This article will cover Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) functions and structure in detail.
Table of Content
- What is Adrenocorticotropic hormone?
- Structure of Adrenocorticotropic hormone
- ACTH Test
- ACTH Normal Range
- Low level ACTH
- High level ACTH
- Disorders of ACTH hormone
- Functions of Adrenocorticotropic hormone
- Mechanism
- Conclusion
- FAQ on Adrenocorticotropic hormone