Experiences with

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

I’m a woman and every time I’ve gone on LDN now it raises my testosterone due to its effects on the HPA axis (namely acth/cortisol and therefore the downstream hormones). Has anyone else experienced the same?

But I can't help but wonder if I am cutting off my nose to spite my face and I should have the ACTH Stim test.

However, I am being sent for an ACTH blood test Is this the same thing (I don't think so as I have not been asked to miss the steroid dose and there is no indication that this ACTH test involves two samples of blood etc). Or is there something I am not understanding?

I'm scared it'll affect the reading again as this is my only chance of diagnosis - and they only do ACTH if cortisol is low enough that day i think? (I could be secondary as take Qvar asthma inhalers so really want ACTH, equally though I have hashi and P.A so could be primary).

They performed at 411 after ACTH was administered. I am delighted. Also quite pleased that hydrocortisone will replace prednisolone when I have the inevitable surgery on the pituitary gland and hopefully I won’t have to take pred for the rest of my life.

Last month my endo did ACTH testing and said my Adrenal glands are not working and to increase hydrocortisone to 3tabs in am and 1 tab in Pm. I’m sure this explains why I have been feeling so poorly and the little increase helps.

she said we will get you an ACTH test done, if it's 250, that's regarded as normal. ...she asked how I was feeling, flooded in pain, deathly fatigue, basically housebound, she suggested another appointment with Rheumatology, but quite honestly I don't think I will, when you are told you have Fibromyalgia

(Just recently back on 125mcg daily instead of eod as my moods were dipping & tiredness 3 pm slump still waiting for blood results & due ACTH stim test next month.) Had lovely afternoon & spoilt it hubby not as understanding as I would like & difficult to explain.

gave hyperthyroidism especially with my symptoms of fatigue, abdominal pain, weakness and graves in my family, etc however I did the tests and my TSH have now come back in range (unmedicated ) but she said my cortisol should have been really 300+ but it’s come back at 230 so she’s referred me for an ACTH

- can I get ACTH STIM test with Endo? Maybe some recommendations for an open minded Endo? this info will help me to plan this difficult trip for me. I am completely desperate. thank you Kind regards, Elena

FYI: I asked about measuring ACTH. He said they don’t routinely do it as it releases in pulses so you can catch it at a low or high point giving a false result.

(High , can be Adrenal Gland disorders) ACTH blood test was requested by NHS Endo but Blood Lab only did 9 a.m. Cortisol which was over-range, June 2023.

My endo said he's suspecting adrenal adenoma since my ACTH was low, blood cortisol high, unable to raise thyroid meds or raising and having symptoms. Anyone here diagnosed with it or know anything about it? Thank you 🤗

Had an appt with my GP today as I am honestly suffering with symptoms and my recent ACTH, RF, CRP etc all came back normal. I was really banking on one of these being the cause because I’d been told my thyroid is fine. The only thats not normal is my FSH, prolactin and LH.

I had an ACTH test yesterday as my recent cortisol level was low. I was told my TSH would be tested but not T4 and T3. However when I got there, it was a full thyroid profile being done. I had breakfast in the morning but no caffeine.

I think there may be some pituatry issue going on … I had a massive boost from the synacthen test that lasted about 5 days as if d been given steroids so I suspect I can produce ACTH but that unless stimulated I’m not.

I have been prescribed by two of my endos hydrocortisone and even prednisone for a couple of months as my ACTH is also low in range. Interestingly aldosterone is double the range! Normally should be low alonside low cort, so I wasn't prescribed Florinef for low aldo.

is a very good number) BUT can't work when stimulated further by the ACTH test?

I've had so many tests, worked on a myriad of things - iron infusion (didn't lift my crushing fatigue or didn't stop hairloss), estrogen prog patch, trying most meds multiple NDTs and synthetics, had several cortisol salivary and blood tests, acth, aldosterone, rt3 etc.

Or inhibiting ACTH? Thanks, -Patrick [1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38002324/