If your pituitary is not producing one or more of its hormones, or not producing enough, then this condition is known as hypopituitarism. If you have a pituitary tumour, it may cause pituitary underactivity by the direct pressure of the tumour mass on the normal pituitary, or by the effects of surgical or X-ray treatment which you have undergone to treat the tumour. ACTH controls the adrenal glands and steroid hormone production. Fatigue is a common symptom, as is a general feeling of loss of physical well-being and vigour. You may also feel dizzy.
Some patients also suffer from nausea and diarrhoea.
If severe, ACTH deficiency may be obvious from a single blood test, but usually you will need to attend a specialist clinic as a day patient for tests referred to as 'dynamic'. This means that you will have a blood test initially and then several more after you have been given something to stimulate the hormone. Most clinics either use an artificial version of the ACTH hormone or a test which reduces your blood sugar level. The test will show how your hormone level reacts over a period of time. Treatment is by taking the adrenal hormone, cortisol, which is referred to as 'hydrocortisone' when it is made into a tablet.