$16.00
Priced per marker, with baseline labs included. You’ll see your total before you pay.
Brain & nervous system
ACTH test
Adrenocorticotropic hormone. Adrenocorticotropic hormone from the pituitary; distinguishes pituitary, adrenal, and ectopic causes of cortisol disorders. TEST
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Check before your draw
This marker has no preparation tag, but it can still need preparation. Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
ACTH is a signal from your pituitary, a pea-sized gland at the base of your brain, that tells your adrenal glands to make cortisol. It’s usually read alongside a cortisol result.
Why it matters for women
Cushing’s syndrome, when the body makes too much cortisol, is more common in women and can cause irregular or missed periods, extra facial hair, and weight gain around the middle. Read with cortisol, ACTH can help show whether a cortisol problem starts in the pituitary or in the adrenal glands.
You might check it if…
- a cortisol test came back higher or lower than expected
- your periods became irregular or stopped without a clear reason
- you’ve gained weight around your middle and bruise easily
- you feel worn out and lightheaded and are losing weight
What your result may mean
High ACTH: what it may mean
High ACTH may mean your adrenal glands are getting a strong push to make cortisol, and the cortisol result can help explain why. High ACTH with high cortisol may point to Cushing's disease, from a growth on the pituitary, or to a growth elsewhere in the body that makes ACTH (an ectopic source). High ACTH with low cortisol may point to primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease). Cushing's can bring weight gain around the middle, irregular periods or extra facial hair, while Addison's can bring tiredness, weight loss or darker skin. Stress and time of day can also sway ACTH.
Low ACTH: what it may mean
Low ACTH with low cortisol may point to secondary adrenal insufficiency, when the pituitary doesn't send enough ACTH, or to long-term steroid medicines quieting the adrenal glands. Low ACTH with high cortisol may point to an adrenal growth making cortisol on its own (ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome). After very heavy bleeding at childbirth, the pituitary can rarely be damaged (Sheehan syndrome), which may bring missed periods, trouble breastfeeding or tiredness. ACTH can also dip later in the day, which can make an afternoon result hard to read without a morning cortisol.
Get started
Stop guessing. Start testing.
Answer a few questions. We’ll suggest tests linked to how you feel, with a clear price for every test.
No insurance required · HSA/FSA eligible · No subscription
These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.