What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing symptoms like chronic fatigue, unexplained weight changes, muscle weakness, or difficulty managing stress. It helps identify whether your adrenal glands are producing the right amount of stress hormones, which can affect your energy levels, mood, and overall ability to cope with daily challenges. Many people use this test when they suspect their symptoms are related to adrenal or pituitary hormone imbalances but want concrete answers.

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 stress management techniques, lifestyle adjustments, or whether you should follow up with an endocrinologist. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your ACTH levels over time using our trends feature to see how your interventions are working.

What's included in this test?

This test measures ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone), which is produced by your pituitary gland to signal your adrenal glands to make cortisol, the body's main stress hormone. ACTH levels help identify whether fatigue, weight changes, or stress symptoms are caused by problems with your pituitary gland, adrenal glands, or both. This test is particularly useful for diagnosing conditions like Cushing's disease, Addison's disease, or other hormone imbalances affecting your stress response and energy.

How should I prepare for this test?

This test must be collected between 7-10 AM, as ACTH levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day and are highest in the morning. Make sure to schedule your blood draw within this time window for accurate results. Your doctor may also advise you to avoid certain medications or supplements before testing, so check with them if you're taking any prescriptions.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is ideal for anyone experiencing persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, muscle weakness, or changes in skin appearance like darkening or stretch marks. It's also important for people suspected of having adrenal insufficiency, Cushing's syndrome, or pituitary disorders. If you're already being treated for adrenal conditions, this test helps monitor whether your treatment is working effectively.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms that may indicate the need for ACTH testing include extreme tiredness that doesn't improve with rest, unexplained weight changes, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, dizziness, or unusual skin darkening. You might also experience mood changes, difficulty concentrating, or changes in appetite. If you're dealing with chronic stress that feels overwhelming or physical symptoms that suggest hormone imbalance, this test can provide valuable insights.

How can I naturally support my adrenal health?

Supporting adrenal health starts with managing stress through techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. Prioritizing 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night is essential, as is eating regular, balanced meals with adequate protein and healthy fats. Reduce caffeine and sugar intake, which can stress your adrenal glands, and incorporate gentle exercise like walking or swimming rather than intense workouts if you're fatigued.

What is ACTH and why does it matter?

ACTH is a hormone made by your pituitary gland that tells your adrenal glands to produce cortisol, which helps your body respond to stress, maintain blood pressure, and regulate metabolism. When ACTH levels are too high or too low, it can signal problems with either your pituitary or adrenal glands. Understanding your ACTH levels helps doctors pinpoint the source of symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or difficulty managing stress.

What does high ACTH mean?

High ACTH levels usually mean your pituitary gland is working overtime to stimulate your adrenal glands. This can happen if your adrenal glands aren't making enough cortisol (adrenal insufficiency or Addison's disease), or rarely, if you have a pituitary tumor producing excess ACTH (Cushing's disease). Your doctor will interpret high ACTH alongside cortisol levels and other tests to determine the underlying cause.

What does low ACTH mean?

Low ACTH levels may indicate that your pituitary gland isn't producing enough hormone to stimulate your adrenal glands properly, which can lead to secondary adrenal insufficiency. It can also occur if your adrenal glands are overactive and producing too much cortisol on their own (like with adrenal tumors), causing your pituitary to shut down ACTH production. Low ACTH requires follow-up testing and evaluation by an endocrinologist.

How often should I retest my ACTH levels?

If you're being diagnosed for an adrenal or pituitary condition, your doctor may retest ACTH levels after a few weeks or months once treatment begins. If you're already being treated for adrenal insufficiency or Cushing's syndrome, ACTH is typically monitored every 3-6 months to ensure your treatment is working effectively. For ongoing monitoring, your endocrinologist will determine the right testing schedule based on your symptoms and response to treatment.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Stress & Fatigue Test - ACTH Hormone Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Blood Test for Stress and Fatigue - ACTH Hormone Check

ACTH, Roche Elecsys

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

How should I prepare for this test?

What's included in this test?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Blood Test for Stress and Fatigue - ACTH Hormone Check

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say