Patient's Query
Dear Doctor,
I had an ACTH stimulation test today. Should one get any physical reaction when the ACTH is in? If one has a physical reaction, is that good or bad? Or do the people who do not get any reaction are the ones who get the bad results?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Thank you for posting your query.
There are certain side effects of ACTH stimulation tests (adrenocorticotropic hormone), like palpitations, sweating, anxiety, and nausea. But these reactions may or may not happen in every person. If it does not happen, then it does not mean there is some problem. Even if some reactions happen also, it does not have any significance. So, a person with Addison's may or may not get any reaction at all. The interpretation of the test is made by the values of serum cortisol before and after ACTH stimulation and not by the physical reaction. So, relax and wait for the results to come.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Here are my ACTH test results. Cortisol without ACTH 0.096 µg/ml. 250 µg ACTH was injected, and 30 minutes later, the cortisol level was 0.018 µg/ml. My lowest morning cortisol ever was 0.0036 µg/ml. Would you mind interpreting this result for me?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Your cortisol levels increased by almost 100 % after ACTH injection. It means that your adrenal gland is working properly and the reason for your low cortisol level is due to a decrease or defective ACTH secretion.
It means that you might be having a secondary adrenal insufficiency, which could be caused by decreased or inadequate ACTH secretion or decreased or defective CRH secretion (corticotropin-releasing hormone).
We need to find out whether there is a problem in ACTH or CRH. I advise you to get your serum ACTH levels first and also ask your endocrinologist for a CRH stimulation test.
This test is not routinely done in all centers, but this test will help to differentiate between ACTH or CRH as the cause of your problem. Take care.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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