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.
- Specimen
- Plasma
- Measures
- Mass concentration
What you'll learn
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Insights that connect the dots. A clinician reads your whole picture, not one result in isolation, connecting family history, past results, and lifestyle into clear next steps.
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Your personalized action plan. Nutrition, supplements, and training in one clinician-reviewed protocol, updated as your results change.
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Track your trends. Upload results from any lab and see each biomarker trend over time, so you know what is working.
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Never miss a recheck. Mito tells you what is worth retesting and when, then reminds you so nothing slips.
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.
Mito Membership
$9 /mo
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Without membership
$0
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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. It is never a profit on the test itself. Mito makes its money on the $9 membership, not on marking up your tests. Membership is $9 per month, and any applicable lab order or draw fee is itemized before you pay.
Where do I get tested?
Choose an available partner lab at checkout. If your cart contains multiple blood tests, Mito helps consolidate the eligible tests at one lab when possible. At-home kits and scans follow the collection or appointment process shown on their product page.
Is this eligible for HSA/FSA?
Yes. Eligible tests can be paid for with an HSA or FSA card at checkout.
When will I get my results?
Your results appear in your Mito dashboard after the laboratory completes processing. A clinician then reviews them before your analysis and personalized action plan are finalized. Timing varies by test, and specialty assays and at-home kits may take longer.
Do I need a physician's order?
No. Mito provides the laboratory order when one is required, so you do not need to arrange a separate physician visit before purchasing.
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