• Why should ACTH be interpreted together with cortisol?

ACTH and cortisol reflect different parts of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, so interpreting them together helps distinguish pituitary from adrenal causes of abnormal cortisol production.

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Morning ACTH Hormone Test

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Test, Morning

A precise test measuring stress hormone levels at their morning peak, aiding in diagnosing pituitary and adrenal gland disorders to restore your body's natural energy balance.

Trusted medical contentUpdated: 04-09-2026Views: 36LHL-2996

About this service

This test measures the level of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in blood plasma in the morning (usually between 7 and 9 a.m.), which is the time of its peak natural secretion. ACTH is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland in response to corticosteroid-releasing hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus and stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol. The test is used to evaluate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and diagnose disorders of hypercortisolism or hypocortisolism.

Conditions and notices

Fasting is not required

Timing: The sample should be taken in the morning between 7-9 am exactly, after a normal night's sleep.

• Rest: Sit and relax for at least 30 minutes in a comfortable position before drawing blood, to reduce the impact of acute stress.

Fasting: Fasting from food and drinks (except water) for 8-12 hours before the examination.

Avoid stimulants: Avoid caffeine and smoking on the morning of the examination.

Medications: Inform the doctor and technician of all medications, especially corticosteroids (pills, sprays, ointments) or medications that affect hormones, as the doctor may ask you to temporarily stop some of them before the examination.

Rapid transport: The sample must be placed on ice immediately after being drawn and transported quickly to the laboratory for analysis, because ACTH hormone is unstable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Short answers to the FAQs published with this service.

• What is the primary purpose of the ACTH test?

The test helps diagnose Cushing's syndrome (excess cortisol) and adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), and identifies whether the cause is related to the pituitary gland or the adrenal glands.

• What are the signs of Cushing's syndrome that may lead to this test?

Symptoms include central weight gain, high blood pressure, new-onset diabetes, moon face, a fatty hump, muscle weakness, and easy bruising.

• What symptoms of adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) suggest a need for this test?

Signs include extreme fatigue, low blood pressure, weight loss, skin hyperpigmentation, and salt cravings.

• Why is the ACTH sample usually collected in the morning?

Morning ACTH Hormone Test

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Conditions and notices

Frequently Asked Questions

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