Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
The pituitary signal that drives cortisol, key to sorting out adrenal and pituitary disorders.
Consider this test if:
- Investigating signs of cortisol excess such as weight gain, easy bruising, high blood pressure, or muscle weakness
- Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency like fatigue, low blood pressure, salt craving, or skin darkening
- An abnormal cortisol result needs to be traced to a pituitary versus adrenal cause
- Following a known pituitary or adrenal tumor over time
- HSA/FSA eligible
- Typical results in 1-2 days · Reviewed by a real clinician
- Drawn at a CLIA/CAP-accredited lab near you ·
Pre-test considerations
Timing matters more than fasting here. The sample should be drawn in the morning, typically between 7 and 10 a.m., when ACTH peaks, and the collection time should be recorded. The specimen needs special handling: collection in a chilled EDTA tube, immediate icing, and prompt freezing, so it is run as a dedicated draw. Recent stress, illness, and corticosteroid medications can shift the result.
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What this test is for
ACTH is the hormone released by the pituitary gland to tell the adrenal glands how much cortisol to make, and measuring it is central to working out where a cortisol problem originates. Paired with a cortisol level, ACTH separates pituitary-driven causes from adrenal causes: it helps in the differential diagnosis of Cushing syndrome, ectopic ACTH-producing tumors, Addison disease, hypopituitarism, and ACTH-secreting pituitary tumors. High ACTH with low cortisol points toward primary adrenal failure, while low ACTH with high cortisol points toward an adrenal source. Because ACTH follows a strong daily rhythm, the result is only interpretable when the draw time is controlled, which is why morning collection is required.
What to expect
- 1 Book instantly
Click, book, done. Choose a convenient lab location near you. Transparent, up-front pricing.
- 2 Quick lab visit
Testing to fit your busy schedule, usually 15 minutes or less. Walk-in and appointments available.
- 3 Typical results in 1-2 days
Your results post straight to your dashboard as soon as the lab completes them.
- 4 Expert guidance
Included with Mito membership. A clinician reviews your results and your personalized action plan follows, with clear next steps.
Everything your health needs,
in one membership
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Every test at our cost
Members pay our cost on every test, with lab fees passed straight through. The full receipt is itemized, never padded.
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Continuous tracking, all in one place
Upload past labs and watch your trends over time. Every marker and visit lives in one longitudinal record, so all your care stays together.
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Year-round clinician support
Text anytime and get clinician-reviewed answers. When you want to go deeper, 1:1 consultations are available at affordable rates.
All for $9/month
Order any test or consult without joining. For $9/month, members unlock member prices, trend tracking, and year-round clinician guidance.
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$9 /mo
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Frequently asked questions
View all FAQsHow does pricing work?
Every test shows the member price next to the standard non-member price, so you can see what membership saves you. The member price is our cost — covering the lab and what it takes to run the service — never a profit on the test itself; Mito makes its money on the $9 membership, not on marking up your tests. Membership is $9/mo, and you still pay the lab’s order fee. Prices are itemized before you pay, with no hidden fees.
Where do I get tested?
Choose a partner lab (Quest, Labcorp, or BioReference) at checkout. If your cart spans multiple tests, we consolidate the whole order onto a single lab so you only make one visit.
Is this eligible for HSA/FSA?
Yes. This test is HSA/FSA eligible, and you can pay with your HSA/FSA card at checkout.
When will I get my results?
Your results post to your dashboard once your lab completes them, then a clinician reviews them and your full analysis and personalized action plan (with clear next steps) follow. Turnaround varies by test: specialty assays and at-home kits take longer, and each test shows its expected turnaround before you buy.
Do I need a doctor’s order?
No. Mito provides the lab order for you, so you can book and get tested without a separate doctor visit.
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