Increased CRH production has been observed to be associated with Alzheimer's disease and major depression,[6] and autosomal recessive hypothalamic corticotropin deficiency has multiple and potentially fatal metabolic consequences including hypoglycemia.

[5] In addition to being produced in the hypothalamus, CRH is also synthesized in peripheral tissues, such as T lymphocytes, and is highly expressed in the placenta.

The portal system carries the CRH to the anterior lobe of the pituitary, where it stimulates corticotropes to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and other biologically-active substances (β-endorphin).

[7] In the short term, CRH can suppress appetite, increase subjective feelings of anxiety, and perform other functions like boosting attention.

[21] Another CRH-1 antagonist antalarmin has been researched[citation needed] in animal studies for the treatment of anxiety, depression and other conditions, but no human trials with this compound have been carried out.

[24] Autosomal recessive hypothalamic corticotropin deficiency has multiple and potentially fatal metabolic consequences including hypoglycemia.

Its release is stimulated by glucocorticoids and catecholamines, which increase prior to parturition lifting this progesterone block.