What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your ACTH levels mean for your stress response, energy, and adrenal health. These notes include personalized recommendations like lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, or whether you should follow up with an endocrinologist for further evaluation. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your hormone levels over time using our trends feature to monitor changes or treatment effectiveness.

When will I get my results?

You'll typically receive your ACTH test results within 1-3 business days after your blood sample reaches the lab. You'll be notified by email as soon as your results are ready to view in your secure online account, along with the doctor notes explaining what your levels mean for your health.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is important for people experiencing persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, unexplained weight changes, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, or darkening of the skin. It's also essential if your doctor suspects Cushing's syndrome (too much cortisol) or Addison's disease (too little cortisol), or if you have symptoms suggesting pituitary or adrenal gland dysfunction.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include extreme and persistent tiredness, unexplained weight loss or gain, muscle weakness, low blood pressure or dizziness when standing, increased thirst, salt cravings, or skin darkening in certain areas. You might also experience mood changes, depression, irritability, or digestive issues like nausea and abdominal pain that don't have an obvious cause.

How can I naturally support my adrenal health?

Supporting adrenal function starts with managing stress through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night and maintain consistent sleep-wake times to support your natural hormone rhythms. Eat regular, balanced meals with adequate protein and healthy fats, reduce caffeine and sugar intake, and include vitamin C-rich foods and adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha if appropriate for your situation.

What is ACTH and why does it matter?

ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland that tells your adrenal glands to make cortisol, your body's main stress hormone. It's essential for regulating your stress response, energy levels, blood pressure, and how your body responds to illness or injury. When ACTH levels are too high or too low, it can indicate serious conditions affecting your pituitary or adrenal glands that need medical attention.

What does high ACTH mean?

High ACTH levels usually mean your pituitary gland is working overtime to stimulate your adrenal glands, often because they're not producing enough cortisol (primary adrenal insufficiency or Addison's disease). It can also indicate a pituitary tumor or, rarely, ACTH production by a tumor elsewhere in the body. High ACTH typically causes fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and requires medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause.