Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (MSH)
The peptide hormone behind skin pigmentation, appetite, and inflammatory signaling.
Consider this test if:
- Investigating unexplained changes in skin pigmentation alongside other POMC-related hormones
- Working through a clinician-directed evaluation of appetite, energy balance, or inflammatory signaling
- Following up on a specific endocrine question where alpha-MSH was specifically requested
- Tracking alpha-MSH over time as part of a managed workup
- HSA/FSA eligible
- Typical results in 3-8 days · Reviewed by a real clinician
- Drawn at a CLIA/CAP-accredited lab near you ·
Pre-test considerations
This test requires specialized handling: the blood must be collected into a tube containing a protease inhibitor (Trasylol), processed quickly, and frozen, so it is drawn at a lab equipped for the protocol. No fasting is required. Avoid scheduling soon after any procedure involving radioisotopes, which interferes with the assay.
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A 1:1 call to discuss your health.
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What this test is for
Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is a peptide derived from the same precursor protein (POMC) as ACTH and endorphins. It stimulates melanin production in the skin and also participates in appetite regulation, energy balance, and the body's anti-inflammatory signaling. High levels are most often discussed in the context of increased pigmentation and POMC-related signaling, while low levels are studied in chronic inflammatory and energy-regulation conditions. This is a specialized, low-volume test rather than a routine screen, so it is usually ordered to investigate a specific question raised by a clinician rather than as a general baseline. Because it is technically demanding to collect and run, results are interpreted alongside the broader hormonal and clinical picture.
- Specimen
- Serum or 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 3-8 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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