Should we know exactly about this hormone (ACTH) in our body?

Have you ever wondered what happens inside our bodies when we are anxious or under a lot of stress? There is a little chemical messenger that is involved in all of this. It is called `( ACTH )` is what it is. Today, let's talk about what this `(ACTH)` is, what it does to our bodies, and what happens if its levels increase or decrease.

What is this (ACTH)? What does it do?

Simply put, `(ACTH)` (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) is a hormone produced by the `( pituitary gland)` in our brain. It has a big impact on how our body copes with stress . When `(ACTH)` is released, it goes straight to two small glands on top of our kidneys, the `(adrenal glands),` and sends a signal, `Okay, start making `(cortisol)` now. You may have heard that `(cortisol)` is the `(stress hormone' . Also, this `(ACTH)` also causes the `(adrenal glands)` to produce a group of sex hormones called `(androgens).`

Think of it this way: hormones are like messengers running through our bodies. They travel through the bloodstream and tell different organs, skin, and muscles what to do and when to do it.

The `( Pituitary Gland )` is a small gland about the size of a pea. It is located at the base of our brain, below the `(hypothalamus)`. This is part of our endocrine system . This gland has two parts, the front one (`anterior lobe`) and the back one (`posterior lobe`). That front part is where `(ACTH)` is produced.

So what is the main function of ACTH?

The main thing is, as mentioned earlier, to stimulate the adrenal glands and release cortisol.

`(Cortisol)` is a hormone that is indispensable to our body. It affects almost every organ and tissue in the body. Although it is simply called the `stress hormone', much more important things happen with `(cortisol)`. Take a look:

• Our bodies are stressed. Controlling how you respond .
• It helps control the way our bodies use fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, that is, our metabolism .
• Reduces inflammation in the body.
• Regulates blood pressure .
• Regulates blood sugar levels .
• It helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle .

In addition, ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to release androgens (sex hormones) and to produce chemicals that help make more hormones, such as adrenaline and noradrenaline.

How are ACTH levels controlled?

Now, look, our body's ACTH levels are controlled in a very complex, yet very clever way. This is done by the hypothalamus in our brain, the pituitary gland, the adrenal glands, and some hormones. We call this system the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis .

The pituitary gland is connected to the hypothalamus by a small stalk-like part called the pituitary stalk. It has blood vessels and nerves. It is through this stalk that the hypothalamus talks to the pituitary gland and says, "Okay, now release the hormone." The hypothalamus is the part of our brain that controls things like blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and digestion.

Speaking of the adrenal glands , they are small, triangular glands located on top of our kidneys, one above each other.

Now, the process by which this `(ACTH)` is controlled is as follows, listen carefully:

1. When the body's cortisol levels decrease, the hypothalamus releases a hormone called corticotrophin-releasing hormone , or CRH for short.

2. Then this `(CRH)` goes to the front part of the `(pituitary gland)` and tells it to release `(ACTH)`.

3. Now `(ACTH)` goes to `(adrenal glands)`, specifically the part called `(adrenal cortex)` , to signal `(cortisol)` and `(androgens)` to be released.

4. Finally, when the cortisol level increases like that, it sends a signal back to the hypothalamus, saying, "Okay, now reduce the release of CRH." It's like a cycle.

This is called a ``feedback loop.'' That is, if one thing increases, it sends a signal back and reduces the original quantity. Isn't this system very clever?

Stress increases the production of ACTH, which in turn increases cortisol levels.

So, if there is a problem with the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, or adrenal glands, the balance of hormones involved in this process, including ACTH, can be disrupted.

How do you check your ACTH levels? What tests are available?

You can get a blood test to find out your ACTH levels. This involves taking a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm.

Doctors often order a cortisol test along with the ACTH test. This is the only way to determine if there is a problem with the pituitary gland or adrenal glands.

Sometimes doctors also order a test called an ACTH stimulation test . This tests how well your adrenal glands respond to ACTH. This can also help detect problems with either the pituitary or adrenal glands.

Is there a normal level of (ACTH)?

Yes, just like cortisol, ACTH levels also fluctuate throughout the day. ACTH levels are usually highest in the morning and then decline as the day progresses, reaching their lowest levels in the middle of the night. However, if you work the night shift and sleep at different times of the day, this pattern may change.

This is why ACTH tests are often done in the morning. Typically, ACTH levels should be between 7.2 and 63.3 picograms/milliliter (pg/mL) between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m.

But keep in mind that these normal ranges can vary slightly from lab to lab, from time to time, and from person to person. If you have an ACTH test, your doctor will review the results and tell you whether further testing is needed.

What happens if ACTH levels increase?

If your ACTH levels are high, your cortisol levels are likely high too. Because cortisol has a variety of effects on the body, you will experience the symptoms of high cortisol, not the specific symptoms of high ACTH. However, sometimes your adrenal glands are not producing enough cortisol, which can cause ACTH levels to be high. But you will still experience the symptoms of low cortisol.

There are several reasons why ACTH levels may increase:

• `(Cushing's disease)` (Cushing's disease): This is the main cause of increased `(ACTH)` levels. In this, a non-cancerous tumor (``benign tumor`` or ``adenoma``) develops in the `(pituitary gland)`, which produces more `(ACTH)` than necessary. Then the `(cortisol)` level also increases. Here it is important to understand the difference between `(Cushing's disease)` and `(Cushing's syndrome)`. `(Cushing's disease)` is only one cause of `(Cushing's syndrome)`.
• Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone tumor: Very rarely, a tumor that grows outside the pituitary gland can release too much ACTH. Examples include carcinoid tumors of the lungs, islet cell tumors of the pancreas, medullary carcinoma of the thyroid gland, small cell tumors of the lungs, and thymus gland tumors (which rarely produce ACTH).
• Primary adrenal insufficiency: This occurs when the adrenal glands are damaged and cannot produce cortisol properly. The most common cause is Addison's disease . In this condition, the pituitary gland tries to stimulate the adrenal glands, which causes them to release more ACTH.

What happens if ACTH levels decrease?

If the level of `(ACTH)` decreases due to a problem with the `(Pituitary gland)`, the level of `(cortisol)` usually decreases as well. However, if the level of `(cortisol)` increases due to a problem with the `(adrenal gland)`, then the level of `(ACTH)` may decrease.

Things that can cause low ACTH levels include:

• Cushing's syndrome: Cushing's syndrome, whether caused by a tumor in the adrenal gland or by taking corticosteroid medication for a long time for another condition, can cause low ACTH levels. This is because the excess cortisol prevents the pituitary gland from releasing ACTH properly.
• Hypopituitarism: This is a very rare condition. This is when the pituitary gland does not produce enough of one, several, or all of the hormones it produces. ACTH is another hormone that can be affected in this way. Hypopituitarism can occur if the pituitary gland is damaged, for example, by a tumor, surgery, or radiation therapy.

So, what are the last things to remember?

The hormone `(ACTH)` is essential for regulating the level of `(cortisol)` in our body. If you have symptoms such as sudden weight gain or loss, high or low blood pressure – which are signs of high or low `(cortisol)` levels – definitely see your doctor . He or she can then do `(cortisol)` and `(ACTH)` blood tests to determine whether your symptoms are caused by your `(adrenal glands)` or `(pituitary gland)`.

It's very important to be aware of things like this. Because only then can we take care of our bodies and seek medical advice quickly if we notice any changes. It's very important to have an understanding of these things to stay healthy, right?

( ACTH ), cortisol, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, hormones, stress, Cushing's disease