ACTH, Plasma

Overview:

ACTH, or adrenocorticotropic hormone, is made by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. Its job is to signal the adrenal glands to release cortisol. Because the two hormones work as a loop, measuring ACTH on its own tells you little, but measuring it alongside cortisol can show which gland is responsible when cortisol is too high or too low. High ACTH with low cortisol points toward the adrenal glands, while low ACTH with low cortisol points toward the pituitary. ACTH follows a daily rhythm and is normally highest in the early morning, so samples are usually timed.

Categories:

Stress & Cortisol

Biomarkers:

1 biomarker