HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Do These ACTH Levels Indicate?

default
Posted on Wed, 9 Nov 2016
Question: I had the acth stimulation test done and my morning cortisol level was 15.7mcg/DL then increased to 26 at 30 minutes and 26.1 at 60 minutes. Is this normal?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
The stimulation is not enough.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The ACTH stimulation test is considered normal when the cortisol level doubles after 60 minutes.
In your case, you started the test with low cortisol level that didn't manage to double after 60 minutes.
So i would consider the test positive for primary adrenal insufficiency or XXXXXXX disease.
Hope the information will help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (3 hours later)
I had read online the normal cortisol level should be 20-30 but the lab I got it at says the "normal range" AM cortisol is 6.7 to 22.6 mcg/dl. So wouldn't my level be normal? But the fact that it didn't double means I have adrenal insufficiency?

IF one of your patients had this test result what would your next step be?

I had to ask my doctor to order this test and I don't see him until December for follow up. I feel absolutely awful and I just want to figure out why so I can fix it
Also could the test be effected if I am sick? I am getting over a respiratory infection.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
The cortisol level is normal.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back!
I took for granted the standart normal range as you didn't mention the ranges.
So your cortisol level has been within the normal ranges.
Please report your actual symptoms, why did you do the ACTH stimulation test? Have you been taking corticosteroids during the last months?
Do you have any autoimmune disease (Hashimoto thyroiditis, diabetes ect?).
Infectious diseases are considered a stressful event for the body and in these cases the cortisol production raises.
In adrenal insufficiency the adrenal gland do not manage to produce enough cortisol and the sing and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency agravate.
It will be a pleasure to help you further after the above informations.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (6 hours later)
I don't even know where to begin. I have been having been having a lot of symptoms for the past 1.5 years. I have been having palpitations, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath and have to take deep breaths a lot. The past couple of months I began having episodes of flushing, tremors, irritability. I had one slightly elevated plasma metanephrines the other was normal (They tested me for a Pheo and was negative). The episodes last less than 30 minutes, and after the episodes I get so tired, like I could just fall asleep. The past couple weeks I have been getting episodes of extreme weakness and sometimes I have tingling in my legs. Sometimes when that happens I have flank discomfort, or lower abdominal/groin discomfort. Sometimes I feel really sick when standing (palpitations, sob) and feel better when lying down. The episodes are so random. I have had a pulmonology workup (only thing abnormal was low DLCO on PFTs), cardiac workup (only thing abnormal was a "flat blood pressure response" on exertion, and an "exaggerated" heart rate response to activity (especially stairs and inclines). I have seen a psychiatrist and he said he does not believe it is psych and that it is medical and suggested and endocrine problem. I have gradually cut down my activity over the past year because I just can't keep up. Some days I spend the day laying down. Some days I feel ok and can do things. Although I never have a day without symptoms. My TSH and CBC is normal. My weight is normal. I am a RN and I know how ridiculous all my symptoms sound. I sound crazy. Nothing makes sense and I am losing my mind trying to figure this out. I do not know what else to do, but I can't keep living like this.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Some more exams needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Sorry to learn about your bothersome symptoms.
The only endocrinological profile left unexplored or unreported is the gynecological one.
Is your menstrual cycle regular? Are you in premenopause or menopause?
The lack of estrogens is often manifested with some of the symptoms you mentioned.
An electrolite profile (Na, potassium, calcium and magnesium) is also helpful.
If all of the above are within the normal ranges than you should check again the catecolamins in the urine collected for 24 hours.
Often more than one check is needed.
Wish you good health,
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (17 minutes later)
I forgot to mention that when I took dexamethasone and prednisone for another condition I felt SOOO much better. I actually went to the gym! However, when I had tried the Medrol pack and it did not seem to help. My menstrual cycle has been normal. I do have another 24 hour urine collection ordered.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
To complete the endocrinological check up;

Detailed Answer:
I would recommend to check also the thyrocalcitonine and chromogranin A.
In flushing and palpitations they should be checked to rule out a tumor producing these substances.
Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (10 hours later)
Would the 5 HIAA urine test for the same thing? I have that ordered. Could there still be a problem with my pituitary gland even though the cortisol test was normal? I did not get the ACTH level back yet
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
The probability of pituitary insufficiency is too low.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
5 HIAA can be checked also in combination with Chromogranine A. Thyrocalcitonine is a different tumor marker.
Regarding to secondary adrenal insufficiency (pituitary), the cortisol level should have been raised over 3 fold during the ACTH stimulation test.
Will hear back from you after the above results.
Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Mirjeta Guni

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2414 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Do These ACTH Levels Indicate?

Brief Answer: The stimulation is not enough. Detailed Answer: Hello, The ACTH stimulation test is considered normal when the cortisol level doubles after 60 minutes. In your case, you started the test with low cortisol level that didn't manage to double after 60 minutes. So i would consider the test positive for primary adrenal insufficiency or XXXXXXX disease. Hope the information will help. Kind regards, Dr.Mirjeta