ACTH, Has anyone had this test done?

kristensmom · 04-18-2006, 06:16 PM

I was looking over some of my test results, when i talked too my Endo on the phone, he only mentioned my Insulin, and Thyroid antibodies as being off, but as I look over the copies of my results, I see a few tests that are off, or not in there normal limits.. The ACTH is one of them.. Am I safe too assume that this ACTH was the 24hr urine I had too do, cause it says PM urine sample ok".. Ok this is going too sound goofy, but HOW in the Hell can they tell morning Pee, from evening pee.. When it all goes in the SAME jug?

Anyway My level for this test was such..

My level was 7.8 and the expected Values of this test are 10-60 (then it has this ---> (a.m. draw ) <----- Does anyone know what this means?
Right next too this , in his own handwriting he puts.. " Ok PM Level"

I also see that my MVP levels are low ( I think this is blood platlets , not sure but I am guessing..

Anyway morew curious about the ACTH test then anything. I go see my Endo on the 26th, but I would like too learn all about this before I go, so I know what too say too him about this.. So if anyone has had this done, can you shed some light on this for me Please

cec414 · 04-20-2006, 07:44 AM

The ACTH test is done to rule out Cushing's disease, often caused by a pituitary tumor, and the symptoms of both Cushing's and PCOS are strikingly similar so many good endocrinologists will make sure to rule out other illnesses that could be contributing to a woman's symptoms. The reason the labs can tell the difference between evening and morning pee, lol, is that the ACTH level measures cortisol, and the levels are highest in the morning. This is why if you ever go to get your cortisol level taken via a blood test you have to either go at 8 am or 4 pm when the levels are highest and this way the doctors can see how high it really gets. The labs are pretty cool to be able to pinpoint how much of this hormone you should have floating around your system based on your output, the test is a pain, but it's good to know that you do not have Cushing's!!!

I actually had a pituitary tumor, but I had a prolactinoma/growth hormone excess tumor, which meant that the pit. gland was secreting too much growth hormone and prolactin, which also caused PCOS-like symptoms. I am still on this site because it left me almost like a PCOS person because I am really sensitive to insulin and my body is still just getting used to not having excess hormones. I am on metformin and I have to really watch what I eat and my monthly cycles have come back after being non-existent but they are really sensitive to everything.

It's good you had such a thorough work-up though, it's good to see what's going on hormonally in your body from time to time!!!

daltontk · 04-21-2006, 07:24 PM

Goodness I love this website. I had the exact same question and all I had to do was do a search for ACTH Stim test. Thanks for all the information Sunny Cyster.

AmyK · 04-30-2006, 02:38 AM

It is also my understanding that the ACTH Stimulation test can also show if you have Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. The late onset/non classical form of this has similar symptoms to PCOS. Ask your doctor to rule this out because it is genetic and the classical form causes lots of problems.