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ACTH stimulation test for adults with fatigue, weight loss, or suspected Addison's disease

ACTH Stimulation Test for Adrenal Function

ACTH Stimulation, 3 Specimens

  • Check adrenal gland hormone response
  • Screen for Addison's disease risk
  • Assess unexplained fatigue and weakness
$682
First results as soon as overnight*

All results normal? Get your money back. First-time customers only. File a support ticket titled “Money Back Guarantee” with your order number within 15 days of receiving your results. STD, Sickle Cell, and gift orders aren’t eligible. Full terms apply. guarantee
No questions asked refunds
LegitScript certified

Prescription & fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Easy to understand results

With friendly doctor's notes & guidance

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

Prescription & fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Easy to understand results

With friendly doctor's notes & guidance

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

All results normal? Get your money back. First-time customers only. File a support ticket titled “Money Back Guarantee” with your order number within 15 days of receiving your results. STD, Sickle Cell, and gift orders aren’t eligible. Full terms apply. guarantee
No questions asked refunds
LegitScript certified

What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing ongoing fatigue, unexplained weight loss, low blood pressure, or dark patches on your skin. These can be signs that your adrenal glands aren't producing enough cortisol, a condition known as Addison's disease. The ACTH stimulation test checks how well your adrenal glands respond when triggered, helping identify if they're underperforming.

What's included in this test?

This test measures cortisol levels in your blood at multiple points before and after a stimulation injection. Checking cortisol at three separate specimens shows whether your adrenal glands can ramp up hormone production appropriately, which is key to diagnosing adrenal insufficiency accurately.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account, with each cortisol measurement explained alongside its normal range so you know exactly where you stand. If your adrenal response is lower than expected, next steps usually involve further evaluation and, in some cases, urgent medical attention if symptoms are severe. You can download the full lab report from your account at any time, and use the trends feature to track your cortisol response if you retest in the future.

How can I naturally support adrenal health?
While you can't force damaged adrenal glands to work harder, you can support overall hormone balance with consistent sleep, reduced stress, and steady blood sugar through regular balanced meals. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can strain adrenal function further. Gentle movement like walking and stress-reduction practices such as deep breathing may also help your body cope better day to day.
When will I get my results?
Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your blood draw. Because this test requires three separate blood specimens collected in sequence, your final report will be compiled once all samples are processed together.
Who should consider this test?
This test is a good fit for anyone with symptoms like chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, unexplained weight loss, salt cravings, or low blood pressure that hasn't been explained by other causes. It's also useful if a previous cortisol test came back abnormal and more detail is needed. People with a family history of autoimmune adrenal conditions may also want to consider this test.
What symptoms indicate I may need this test?
Common symptoms include persistent tiredness that doesn't improve with rest, muscle weakness, weight loss, nausea, low blood pressure, and darkening of the skin, especially in creases or scars. Some people also notice salt cravings or dizziness when standing up quickly. If you're dealing with several of these symptoms together, this test can help clarify what's going on.
What does a low cortisol response mean?
A low or blunted response after stimulation suggests your adrenal glands aren't producing enough cortisol on their own, which points toward adrenal insufficiency or Addison's disease. This means your body may struggle to respond properly to physical stress, illness, or injury. If your results show this pattern, it's important to seek medical care promptly since untreated adrenal insufficiency can become dangerous.
What causes an abnormal adrenal response?
An abnormal response can result from autoimmune damage to the adrenal glands, certain infections, long-term steroid use, or pituitary gland problems that affect the signal telling your adrenals to produce cortisol. Some abnormal results are also linked to genetic conditions present from birth. Identifying the underlying cause usually requires additional testing beyond this panel.
How often should I retest?
If your results are normal and you have no ongoing symptoms, retesting usually isn't needed unless new symptoms develop. If you're being monitored for a known adrenal condition or started treatment, retesting every few months can help track how your body is responding. Use the trends feature in your account to keep an eye on changes over time.
How’s this work?
Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:
  1. In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
  8. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected] 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 [email protected], and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].

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 [email protected] and we'll gladly help you.

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

You get clinical lab reports & simplified health insights.
Save time & gas, go straight to the lab. Our doctors cover the rest.
Results start landing the next day after your lab visit.*
We don’t sell or share your data. Your time & privacy matter.
US-licensed doctors have your back if things get unclear.
No hidden fees, nice discounts for regular checkups.
Save a trip to the doctor, go directly to the lab
Get lab order in minutes, results come overnight*
Results explained in simple language
Reviewed by US licensed doctors
Fast & confidential, we never sell or share your data
No insurance needed, transparent pricing
Demo results
Cortisol (post-ACTH stimulation) 14 mcg/dL
Demo results
Low (<18 mcg/dL) Optimal (18-25 mcg/dL) High (>25 mcg/dL)
14 mcg/dL

What this means

A post-stimulation cortisol level below 18 mcg/dL suggests your adrenal glands aren't responding as strongly as expected. This blunted response can point toward adrenal insufficiency, meaning your body may have trouble handling physical stress or illness. This finding typically calls for prompt follow-up to confirm the diagnosis and start appropriate care.

* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More advanced tests may take longer due to complexity.
Here’s how easy it is to get blood work done on your terms
Choose a checkup
Order your test Save a trip to the doctor. Your results will come with clear, friendly explanations. Takes 2 minutes
Book a lab
Book an appointment Visit any of our 4,000 nearby lab locations to have your samples collected. Book or walk-in
Choose a checkup
Get results Receive a clear, easy-to-digest health report by email & SMS within a few business days. Get answers, fast

Find a lab near you

Search Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp locations available through Private MD Labs.

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ACTH Stimulation Test for Adrenal Function

  • Check adrenal gland hormone response
  • Screen for Addison's disease risk
  • Assess unexplained fatigue and weakness
$682
Still got questions? Text our super-cool support team at 754-799-7833 to get help finding your ideal checkup.
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For informational purposes only. Not medical advice.