The HPA Axis Hormones: 3 Noteworthy Biomarkers

ACTH

AKA adrenocorticotropic hormone

A hormone produced by pituitary gland
Stimulates the production of cortisol

CORT

AKA cortisol

A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland
Help regulates metabolism
Suppresses the immune response
Helps to maintain blood pressure

DHEAS

AKA dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate

Mostly secreted by the adrenal gland
Plays a role in developing secondary sexual
Characteristics at puberty in boys
Can be converted into potent androgens and female hormone estrogen

Excess or insufficient CORT may cause symptoms as shown in the picture.

CORT test may be ordered when a person has symptoms suggesting a high or low level of cortisol.

Both ACTH and cortisol levels follow a “diurnal variation”. Commonly, they will be at their highest level in the morning and lowest at night.

Conditions impacting HPA axis could interfere with regulating ACTH and CORT.

DHEAS level changes may be seen in the following conditions

Decreased DHEAS level may be seen in:

Adrenal insufficiency
Addison’s disease
Hypothyroidism

Increased DHEAS level may be seen in:

Adrenal cortex tumors
Cushing syndrome
Adrenal hyperplasia
Early puberty in male and virilization in female
PCOS
Ovarian tumors（rarely）

DHEAS test is also useful in detecting whether the adrenal glands are working properly as well as detecting adrenal tumors (both benign and malignant), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, DHEAS-producing ovarian tumor, cause of masculine physical characteristics.

DHEAS test may be ordered to evaluate adrenal function and suspect androgens overdose

DHEAS test could enhance the sensitivity of evaluating the adrenal function

Adrenal insufficiency - patient may have low DHEAS level in blood
HPA function impairment - patient could have DHEAS secretion impaired too. Recommend DHEAS test to evaluate HPA function
Suspected patient could take DHEAS test to help further detection after a LDC (low dosage corticotrophin) stimulation normal result
Detection sensitivity could be enhanced by DHEAS test

To produce the appropriate amount of hormones, the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands must be functioning properly. Mindray provides the 3 biomarkers, ACTH, CORT and DHEAS, to assist in the awareness and management of the illnesses related to HPA AXIS.