Have you ever heard of ACTH? It stands for adrenocorticotrophic hormone, a substance produced in the pituitary gland, located in the brain. Its function is to stimulate the production of other hormones, especially cortisol, associated with stress.

Monitoring the levels of ACTH in the body is important in cases of symptoms related to an imbalance in cortisol production, whether low or high.

ACTH test: when to do it

The doctor will ask the patient for the ACTH test if he notices possible signs of hormonal imbalance, especially regarding cortisol: "ACTH, together with cortisol, is useful in the evaluation of problems in the adrenal gland and pituitary gland, that is, it can clarify the causes of alterations in cortisol production," points out endocrinologist Odilon Denardin, Labi Exames' medical consultant.

So, to check the ACTH level, a blood sample will be needed, taken from a vein in the arm, as in a traditional CBC, "but the blood should preferably be taken in the morning", reminds Thais Mussi, endocrinologist and metabologist. And at the time of collection, it is also important to mention if you are taking any medication, because certain types can interfere with the result.

Results

"The ACTH dosage, together with cortisol, can clarify if the problem is in the adrenal gland [ which produces cortisol Thus, high ACTH with low cortisol and low ACTH with high cortisol indicate primary problems in the adrenal; low ACTH with low cortisol and high ACTH with high cortisol indicate that the changes are in the pituitary gland," Odilon explains.

In addition, the doctor says that if there is exaggerated production of cortisol and blockade in ACTH, the patient may suffer from symptoms such as obesity in the trunk, thinner skin, stretch marks, glucose intolerance, predisposition to infections, and hypertension. In the opposite situation, the symptoms range from weight and appetite loss, weakness, nausea and vomiting, and hypotension.

Read also: What not to do before and after a blood test

Why do it?

"This exam is extremely important for the diagnosis of diseases of the adrenal glands and pituitary gland, such as Cushing's disease, for example," Thais points out.

Odilon adds that since ACTH is a determinant in the production of cortisol, its dosage helps to clarify the problems of the adrenal gland and pituitary gland: "In Cushing's disease there is an excessive production of cortisol caused by a benign tumor (adenoma) that produces the hormone. Thus, the autonomous hormone production of the adrenal is one of the main causes of Cushing's syndrome - Cushing's syndrome."Diseases with low cortisol production (Addison's disease and hypopituitarism) also require the dosage to clarify them.

Sources: Dr. Odilon Denardin, endocrinologist and medical consultant for Labi Exames

Dr. Thais Mussi, endocrinologist and metabrologist with the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabology (SBEM)