ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone)

ACTH is a hormone of the anterior pituitary gland that regulates the adrenal cortex. The name of the hormone literally translates to "directing the adrenal cortex." The hormone is a component of the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal system. Its products are regulated according to the feedback principle.

That is, if the concentration of adrenal hormones decreases, then the hypothalamus receives a signal about this, the hypothalamus, in turn, secretes substances that affect the pituitary gland. Next, the pituitary gland produces ACTH, which goes to the adrenal glands to stimulate the production of their hormones. As soon as hormone levels return to normal, the system shuts down.

Thus, ACTH is responsible for the concentration of the following hormones: cortisol, cortisone, corticosterone, to a lesser extent – progesterone, androgens, estrogens. ACTH participates in the exchange of melanin, a pigment that gives dark color to the skin, hair, and iris of the eyes. The hormone aldosterone (water retention function) is synthesized in greater quantities under the influence of ACTH, although ACTH is not its main regulator.

The decay period of ACTH is very short – about 10 minutes. The hormone is produced in greater quantities in the morning (6-8 a.m.), synthesis gradually decreases in the evening, reaching its minimum by 9-10 p.m. Therefore, for this reason, the abrupt change of the time zone is problematic for some people. The hormone level is also affected by the phase of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, increased physical activity, and a psychoemotional state.