What is aldosterone? Aldosterone is a hormonal substance that takes part and normalizes the process of mineral metabolism in the human body. The synthesis of this element is regulated by the renin-angiotensive system, which directly affects arterial pressure and water-electrolyte balance.
Aldosterone is produced by the cells of the adrenal cortex, more precisely, in their glomerular zone. The limits of the norm of this substance depend on the amount of potassium, magnesium and sodium in the blood plasma. Any deviations in the work of the body, reducing or increasing these indicators, immediately entail a failure in the synthesis of aldosterone.
Features and functions of the hormonal element
Where aldosterone is produced, we have already determined. Now let's take a closer look at its features and role for the human body.
The hormone aldosterone is closely related to water balance. For example, if a person consumed more fluid per day than expected, this will have a direct impact on the activity of this substance. It will increase significantly in order to remove excess water from the tissues as quickly as possible. Thus, it prevents the formation of edema. After stabilization of the situation, aldosterone activity decreases.
Main functional tasks
Like any other hormone, aldosterone performs a wide range of functions. So, with his participation:
- the water-salt balance of the body is normalized and maintained;
- regulated blood pressure;
- the delivery of ions to the sweat and salivary glands, as well as the intestines, is controlled and regulated;
- water balance is maintained at the extracellular level.
So, if we talk about what the hormone aldosterone is responsible for in women, then there are no specific differences from those in men. But the indicators of the norm may vary, and you need to know about it.
Norm values
The norm of aldosterone depends not only on the gender and age of the patient. In adults, the indicators of this hormone may vary depending on the position of the body they have adopted - vertical or horizontal. These factors are taken into account by the endocrinologist when interpreting the analysis data.
Indicators in children
The values of the norm of the hormone aldosterone in young children are much higher than those in adults. This is due to the fact that the child's body grows and develops intensively, so he especially needs minerals.
So, the indicators of the norm in children are as follows (unit of measurement - picomole):
- Newborn babies - from 1060 to 5480.
- Children under six months - within 500 - 4450.
- Babies from six months to 3 years - within 400 - 1100.
In children older than 3 years, the norms of aldosterone are the same as in adults.
Indicators for men
The norm of aldosterone in men ranges from 100 to 350 pmol / l of blood. The indicators of this hormonal element in males are slightly lower than in women.
Indicators in women
The norm of aldosterone in women ranges from 100 to 400 pmol / l of blood.
If we talk about the generally accepted indicators of this hormone, depending on the position of the body, then they are calculated as follows:
- In adult patients, the optimal figures in a horizontal position are from 17.6 to 230.2 pg / ml of blood.
- The norm of the hormone in an upright position in men and women is from 25.2 to 392 pg / ml.
Important! Aldosterone norm indicators depend not only on age, gender and body position, but also on the clinic where the analysis will be performed. Different laboratories have different medical equipment and testing technology. As a rule, in the form with the results, health workers indicate the limits of acceptable standards.
test for aldosterone
A blood test for aldosterone content is performed when:
- suspected adrenal insufficiency;
- primary increase in the level of aldosterone - hyperaldosteronism;
- hypertension, the treatment of which does not lead to the desired results;
- hypokalemia or suspicion of its presence;
- orthostatic hypotension.
The appointment of a blood test can be carried out by an endocrinologist, nephrologist, oncologist or therapist.
Preparation rules
How to donate blood to determine the content of aldosterone? To obtain reliable research data, you must:
- For half a month or a month, carefully control the amount of carbohydrates entering the body.
- Stop taking a week before the test hormonal drugs affecting the production of aldosterone.
- Half a day before sampling the biomaterial, you should stop smoking and alcohol. It is also necessary to reduce the intensity of physical activity.
Note. In women, venous blood is taken for analysis from the 3rd to the 5th day of the menstrual cycle. In this case, the patient should inform the doctor about whether she is taking hormonal oral contraceptives, since their use directly affects the test results.
Hormone deviations from the norm: symptoms, methods of normalization
If aldosterone is elevated or reduced, then such a deviation is called hyperaldosteronism or hypoaldosteronism (respectively). Both syndromes are equally dangerous, and can significantly harm health. Therefore, they must be able to recognize in order to stop unpleasant symptoms in time and eliminate its causes.
Signs of high aldosterone
The symptoms of hyperaldosteronism in women and men are the same, and they can manifest themselves through the occurrence of:
- arterial hypertension with an increase, mainly, in renal (“lower”, or diastolic) pressure;
- lethargy;
- rapid fatigue;
- frequent attacks of headaches;
- strong thirst;
- decrease in visual acuity;
- cardiac arrhythmias;
- cardialgia;
- frequent urge to urinate;
- nocturia;
- muscle hypotension;
- feelings of numbness in the arms and legs;
- convulsions;
- paresthesia.
Such signs that aldosterone is elevated in women and men are characteristic of both primary and secondary hyperaldosteronism. But in the second case, the deviation is more difficult, and the formation of peripheral edema joins the previous ailments.
The first symptoms that aldosterone is elevated in women are manifested by frequent headaches, general weakness and apathy. A shift in the menstrual cycle may occur, since against the background of hormonal imbalance in the fairer sex, this symptom occurs quite often.
Aldosteroma of the adrenal gland
Against the background of primary aldosteronism, a tumor-like formation may develop, localized in the glomerular epithelium of the cortex of the paired gland - the adrenal gland. The symptoms of adrenal aldosteroma are completely identical to those described above, but it is impossible to identify the pathology on your own - to confirm the diagnosis, you must undergo a number of studies: ultrasound, scintigraphy, CT, MRI.
Low hormone level: clinic
Symptoms of hypoaldosteronism are manifested:
- loss of strength;
- sudden changes in body temperature;
- orthostatic hypotension;
- violation of the heart rhythm;
- bradycardia;
- bouts of syncope (fainting);
- decrease in potency in males.
Often, aldosterone deficiency occurs without any pronounced symptoms. In such a situation, a pathological deviation is often detected by chance, when the patient undergoes an examination for a completely different reason.
Ways to normalize the concentration of the hormone
How to reduce the content of aldosterone in the body? This requires long-term drug therapy. It involves the use of drugs such as AT receptor blockers, heparin, corticosteroids. In some cases, immediate surgical intervention is required. This applies to patients who have been found to have tumors in the adrenal region.
Talking about how to lower aldosterone folk remedies, then in this case, regular intake of an extract or decoction of licorice root can help. Therapy can continue for a long period of time, but if the course of treatment is not interrupted, then sooner or later it will be possible to achieve the expected results. However, remember that not in all cases, licorice root is allowed for use, so before starting a treatment, be sure to consult your doctor!
05.12.2017
To maintain good health, it is important to maintain hormonal balance, one of the elements of which is aldosterone: what it is and how to keep it normal worries every person who cares about health. This hormone not only prevents the development of edema and dehydration, but also performs other important functions that affect the performance of the cardiovascular system.
Functions of aldosterone in the body
Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid (mineral balance regulating) hormone synthesized in the glomerular zone of the adrenal cortex, which is responsible for the water-salt balance in the body. Its main task is to maintain the normal concentration of sodium and potassium salts in order to provide the body with fluid retention in the volume necessary for it.
It is produced under the influence of the protein angiotensin, the amount of which is regulated by another protein - renin. As a result of these relationships, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is formed, which determines the overall hemodynamics and maintains a constant volume of blood in the vessels, i.e. controls blood pressure.
The ratio of these produced substances is in constant functional dependence on each other: the amount of one of them is inversely proportional to the volume of the other, in simple terms- the less aldosterone in the blood, the more renin in it and vice versa. Normally, this mechanism for maintaining dynamic balance, regardless of the situation, does not allow pressure to drop to critical levels, which makes this hormone especially important for saving human life.
Hormone analysis
To reliably determine the concentration of aldosterone, a laboratory study of the total aldosterone-renin ratio in the body is carried out, tk. with an increased content of one hormone, the level of the second, as a rule, is below normal.
Main indications for analysis:
- sharp jumps in blood pressure;
- orthostatic hypotension (collapse) - a decrease in pressure with a change in body position;
- insufficient amount of potassium in the blood;
- dysfunction of the adrenal glands.
To determine the level of aldosterone, an enzyme immunoassay is performed, for which venous blood or urine is donated.
Aldosterone is the main hormone synthesized by the adrenal cortex (in the glomerular layer).
The body transforms it from cholesterol, after which it is metabolized in the kidneys and liver.
Its main function is to increase the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the so-called renal canals.
Due to this, the fluid that accumulates in the kidneys is retained in the body, and does not enter the urinary tract. Thus, the body regulates the concentration of electrolytes in the blood and the overall salt balance. At the same time, the amount of potassium increases slightly. What is the normal concentration of aldosterone in the body? What threatens its increase and decrease in the level?
Scientists believe (but have not yet confirmed) that aldosterone production is regulated by positive K+ ions from the blood. This is precisely what explains its feedback with sodium and chlorine (which are also subsequently transformed into ions).
How does this hormone work?
Its direct function is to influence the permeability of the membranes of the cells of the renal tissue (parenchyma) directly for amino acids.
Indirectly, aldosterone also promotes the transfer of fluid and sodium from the vessels (that is, from the blood) into the tissues.
By the way, this hormone is the only mineralocorticoid that, in principle, enters the bloodstream. And it is worth noting that it is also absorbed in other organs besides the kidneys, but most of it is stored in them and its local concentration directly affects the total in the body.
How does aldosterone regulate sodium levels in the blood? By controlling the duration of its stay in the distal tubules of the nephron. It is logical that the longer sodium is there, the greater part of it in the form of ions enters the bloodstream. Along with this, there is a shift in the acid-base balance of the blood itself towards alkalosis.
All these physiological processes occur directly under the control of the pituitary gland, which regulates the rate of production of aldosterone.
Hormone rate
According to the current standards published by the World Health Organization (WHO), the norm of aldosterone for an adult is from 100 to 400 pmol / l.
In medical institutions Russian Federation the norm in the analyzes is indicated in picograms per milliliter, while the concentration for both men and women is conventionally assumed to be the same.
The nominal value is considered to be an indicator from 13 to 272 picograms per milliliter of blood taken from vessels directly connected with the kidneys. By the way, even the position of a person when taking material for analysis affects the final indicator (in the horizontal, the level will be about 2 times lower, which is not a deviation).
But in children, the norm of the hormone is several times higher than in adults. For example, in newborns, the level can reach 5480 pmol / l. And this is the norm.
And if the level of aldosterone drops below 1060 pmol / l, then this is considered a serious deviation or sign of pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys, caused mainly by an infectious tissue lesion).
In men
The norm of aldosterone in men, according to WHO guidelines, ranges from 100 to 350 pmol / l.
A short-term excess of the declared level by no more than 50 pmol/l is allowed.
It is worth considering that it is rather difficult to establish the exact concentration of the hormone, since too many external factors affect its level, ranging from smoking to taking diuretics or even foods over the past 4 weeks.
An adrenal cyst may not manifest itself for years, and the pathology is quite rare. Signs and treatments for cysts are described.
Among women
For women, the nominal concentration of aldosterone is slightly higher than for men and ranges from 100 to 400 pmol / l. A short-term excess of the specified norm in the range up to 40 pmol / l is the norm.
Fluctuations in concentration can occur against the background of the release of angiotensin (type 2), which occurs against the background of a decrease in the volume of circulating blood through the kidneys. And this can already occur due to a disruption in the work of the cardiovascular system or a short-term increase in the heart rate (for example, during exercise or, on the contrary, with a long absence of it).
Increasing hormone levels
An increase in the normal concentration of aldosterone in the blood can occur against the background of:
- aldosteronism;
- adrenal hyperplasia;
- Conn's syndrome (tumor of the adrenal glands, including benign);
- hypertension (high blood pressure).
Doctors also point out that an increase in the concentration of aldosterone in the blood can be triggered by a narrowing of the lumen of the renal artery when blood flow increases (meaning the force with which blood is pushed through the vessels).
What is the danger of excessive production of aldosteronism? This provokes the following diseases:
- heart failure;
- hypernatremia;
- hypokalemia;
- hypervolemia;
- arterial hypertension.
Often, patients with an elevated concentration of aldosterone in the blood suffer from edema of the lower extremities.
In almost all cases, the treatment of hyperaldosteronism consists in optimizing the concentration of renin, an enzyme synthesized in the kidneys and stimulating physiological processes involving aldosterone.
Decreased hormone levels
The condition when the adrenal glands synthesize a significantly smaller amount of aldosterone than the body needs is called hypoaldosteronism.
Most often this is due to adrenal dysfunction, but it can be complicated by a congenital decrease in the synthesis of enzymes responsible for the normal synthesis of aldosterone (meaning renin).
A similar condition occurs due to the abuse of mineralocorticoid drugs. They are often used with an intensive set of muscle mass, for burning fat. However, the intake of such drugs is accompanied by a decrease in the rate of enzymes and hormones of the mineralocorticoid group, produced by the body itself.
In the future, after stopping their intake, aldosterone deficiency occurs. But, as a rule, the body quickly returns to normal without outside help and independently regulates the normal concentration of the hormone produced in the adrenal glands.
But from the removal of the adrenal gland, the level of aldosterone in the body does not decrease. These organs are paired, so the functions of one will be taken over by the other. This does not have any negative impact on the body, but doctors still recommend at least 2 times a year to take tests to determine the norm of aldosterone.
Analysis
A blood sample is taken to determine the concentration of aldosterone. To obtain the most accurate data, doctors recommend adhering to the following requirements:- do not change the amount of table salt consumed within 2 weeks before the analysis;
- 2-3 days before the scheduled test, give up excessive physical exertion;
- 7-10 days before the analysis, do not take renin inhibitors (if they were prescribed by a doctor, consult on this matter).
In infectious inflammatory diseases, analysis is impossible, since the aldosterone rate will be somewhat underestimated. But the blood sampling itself is carried out only in specialized centers of endocrinology. In ordinary clinics, the necessary equipment for analysis is not available.
Altogether, aldosterone is a hormone responsible for normalizing the salt balance in the blood. Produced by the adrenal glands, it is activated with an increase in the concentration of renin, an enzyme synthesized by the kidneys. The norm of the hormone in men and women differs only slightly. An increase or decrease in its level negatively affects the work of the entire cardiovascular system.
Related video
Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It helps to control the levels of potassium and sodium in the body, which is necessary for the regulation of blood pressure. Aldosterone also helps maintain electrolyte (potassium excreted by the kidneys) and fluid levels in the blood.
The kidneys secrete a hormone called renin, which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce aldosterone. When the body tries to conserve sodium and fluid, then the levels of renin and aldosterone in the blood rise markedly. Therefore, when testing for aldosterone content is done, then testing for renin activity is also done.
Reasons for an aldosterone blood test
An aldosterone test is done to measure the amount of this hormone in the blood. This test will also help detect tumors present in the adrenal glands, abnormal growths, and overactive adrenal glands (a condition where potassium levels in the blood decrease and blood pressure rises).
Training
To test for albumin, a blood sample is taken from a vein. This procedure does not require any preparation.
For follow-up blood tests, your doctor may advise you to eat foods that are moderate in sodium for several weeks before your blood sample is taken. Such a diet can also increase aldosterone levels, and therefore, if you follow it, tell your doctor about it. He should also be informed of any medications you are taking as there are several medications that can interfere with the test results. You may need to stop taking hormones, diuretics, corticosteroids, and most blood pressure medications two weeks before the test, and not smoke for 3 hours before the test. In any case, consult your doctor.
The level of aldosterone depends on the position of the patient's body. Therefore, the analysis can be taken from a standing or lying patient. You may be asked to come to the analysis in the early morning, when the level of aldosterone is elevated and will be asked to limit food until the analysis.
Procedure
A blood sample will be taken from your vein.
results
Analysis results are usually available within 2-5 days. High levels of aldosterone in the blood can indicate Conn's syndrome, kidney or liver disease, and heart problems. They can also be the cause of primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome). Low levels of aldosterone in the blood may indicate Addison's disease.
Analysis Efficiency
In some cases, an aldosterone test may not be useful: pregnancy ( high level aldosterone during the third trimester), some medicines, emotional stress or exercise, age (it lowers aldosterone levels).
Aldosterone is the main mineralocorticosteroid hormone of the adrenal cortex in humans. In some animal species, the main natural mineralocorticoid is deoxycorticosterone rather than aldosterone, but deoxycorticosterone is relatively inactive in humans.
Normal secretion of aldosterone depends on many factors - the activity of the renin-angiotensin system, potassium content (hyperkalemia stimulates, and hypokalemia suppresses aldosterone production), ACTH (a short-term increase in aldosterone secretion under physiological conditions is not the main factor in the regulation of secretion), magnesium and sodium in the blood. Excess aldosterone causes hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, marked sodium retention and increased urinary potassium excretion, which is clinically manifested by arterial hypertension, muscle weakness, convulsions and paresthesias, arrhythmias.
Aldosterone test
The hormone aldosterone is required to regulate sodium retention and potassium release in the kidneys. It performs an important function in maintaining normal concentrations of sodium and potassium in the blood and in controlling blood volume and pressure.
Aldosterone is produced by the adrenal cortex and is regulated by two proteins, renin and angiotensin. Renin is released from the kidneys when blood pressure drops, blood sodium levels decrease, or potassium levels rise. It breaks down the angiotensinogen protein in the blood to form angiotensin I, which is then converted to angiotensin II by the enzyme. Angiotensin II, in turn, promotes the contraction of blood vessels and stimulates the formation of aldosterone. As a result, blood pressure rises and the content of sodium and potassium is maintained at the level required by the body.
Various diseases can cause overproduction or underproduction of aldosterone (hyperaldosteronism or aldosteronopenia). Since renin and aldosterone are very closely related, often both substances are tested together to determine the cause of abnormal blood levels of aldosterone.
When visiting a cardiologist, oncologist or endocrinologist, as well as with disturbing results of a general urine test, doctors can send you to check for aldosterone, as they will notice signs of its inconsistency with the physiological norm.
The main reasons that may contribute to the recommendation to donate blood for aldosterone:
- Possible adrenal insufficiency and violations of their function.
- Primary hyperaldosteronism.
- When the recommended tactics for the treatment of arterial hypertension does not give the expected positive results.
- Low levels of potassium in the blood.
- With orthostatic hypotension - sudden changes in blood pressure when performing any action.
- High blood pressure.
- Orthostatic hypotension (dizziness when standing up abruptly, associated with a drop in blood pressure)
Rules for preparing for a laboratory study
The endocrinologist, therapist, nephrologist or oncologist prescribes the delivery of the analysis. Blood sampling is carried out on an empty stomach, it is only allowed to drink water in the morning. The peak concentration of aldosterone occurs in the morning hours, during the luteal phase of the ovulatory cycle, during pregnancy, and the lowest value is at midnight.
12 hours before the test, it is necessary to limit physical activity, exclude alcohol, and, if possible, stop smoking. Dinner should consist of light foods.
Carbohydrate intake should be monitored 14–30 days prior to the laboratory visit. It is recommended to stop taking drugs that affect the secretion of the hormone aldosterone. The possibility of drug withdrawal should be discussed with your doctor. Among women reproductive age the study is carried out on the 3-5th day of the menstrual cycle. Blood is taken from a vein in a standing or sitting position.
Influence on the increase in the level of aldosterone can:
- too salty food;
- diuretic drugs;
- laxatives;
- taking oral contraceptives;
- potassium;
- hormonal drugs;
- stress.
A blocker of AT receptors, renin inhibitors, long-term use of heparin, β-blockers, α2 mimetics, corticosteroids can reduce the level of aldosterone. Licorice root extract also helps to lower the concentration of the hormone. With an exacerbation of inflammatory chronic diseases, it is not recommended to take an analysis, as the results will be unreliable.
Hopma hormone
According to the current standards published by the World Health Organization (WHO), the norm of aldosterone for an adult is from 100 to 400 pmol / l. In medical institutions of the Russian Federation, the norm in the analyzes is indicated in picograms per milliliter, while the concentration for both men and women is conventionally assumed to be the same. The nominal value is considered to be from 13 to 272 picograms per milliliter of blood taken from vessels directly connected with the kidneys. By the way, even the position of the person when taking the material for analysis affects the final indicator (in the horizontal, the level will be approximately 2 times lower, which is not a deviation). But in children, the norm of the hormone is several times higher than in adults. For example, in newborns, the level can reach 5480 pmol / l. And this is the norm.
And if the level of aldosterone drops below 1060 pmol / l, then this is considered a serious deviation or a sign of pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys, caused by an predominant infection).
Norm of aldosterone
Indicators of different laboratories may vary slightly. Usually the limit values are indicated on the referral form.
Norm of aldosterone in men
The level of aldosterone in men, according to WHO guidelines, ranges from 100 to 350 pmol/l. A short-term excess of the declared level is allowed by no more than 50 pmol / l. Cтoит учecть, чтo уcтaнoвить тoчную кoнцeнтpaцию гopмoнa дoвoльнo cлoжнo, тaк кaк нa eгo уpoвeнь влияeт cлишкoм бoльшoe кoличecтвo внeшниx фaктopoв, нaчинaя oт куpeния, зaкaнчивaя пpиeмoм мoчeгoнныx пpeпapaтoв или дaжe пpoдуктoв нa пpoтяжeнии пocлeдниx 4 нeдeль.
Norm of aldosterone in women
For women, the nominal concentration of aldosterone is slightly higher than in men and ranges from 100 to 400 pmol / l. A short-term excess of the specified norm in the range up to 40 pmol / l is the norm. Fluctuations in concentration can occur against the background of the release of angiotensin (type 2), which occurs against the background of a decrease in the volume of circulating blood through the kidneys. And this may already occur due to a disruption in the work of the cardiovascular system or a short-term increase in the heart rate (for example, during physical exertion or, on the contrary, for a long time).
Urine for aldosterone
Collecting urine to analyze the concentration of aldosterone in it is a lengthy procedure.
It consists of the following steps:
- Urine is placed in a specific container, at the bottom of which there is a specific powder that prevents damage to the material.
- Urine collection takes place over 24 hours. All urine excreted during this time interval is placed in 1 container.
- After 24 hours, mark the total amount of collected urine on the container.
- The material for research is mixed and measured into another container of the order of 20-30 ml - the indicated volume is sent to the laboratory.
When analyzing urine for hormone concentration, the norm ranges from 1.4-20 mg / 24 hours.
However, a more common blood test for aldosterone, the results of which the patient receives after 1-7 days (depending on the chosen center of medical research).
When is aldosterone elevated?
- Primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome). Occurs in connection with the formation of a tumor of the adrenal cortex, producing an excess amount of aldosterone. It, in turn, retains sodium in the kidneys and releases potassium, which causes a violation of the water-salt balance. To diagnose this disease, you need to donate blood for aldosterone and renin. A decrease in the concentration of potassium in the kidneys leads to a decrease in the production of renin, therefore, with primary hyperaldosteronism, renin in the blood will be reduced, and aldosterone will be increased.
- Secondary hyperaldosteronism. A more common disease in which hypersecretion of the hormone is not caused by damage to the adrenal cortex, but by disturbances in other tissues leading to nonspecific production of aldosterone or stimulating its formation of proteins (renin and angiotensin). It is observed in diseases of the kidneys, stenosis of the renal artery, cirrhosis of the liver, heart failure. Unlike primary hyperaldsteronism, in this case, the concentration of both renin and aldosterone is increased.
Symptoms of an increase in the hormone gives the following:
- Muscle spasms and convulsions.
- Increased heart rate.
- Increased thirst and increased urge to urinate.
- Erectile dysfunction.
- Arterial hypertension and hypertension in pregnancy.
- Instability of the emotional background, expressed by a negative spectrum of emotions.
Treatment for the primary form of hyperaldosteronism is to remove the tumor formation of the adrenal gland. Subject to a successful outcome of the surgical intervention, as well as compliance with medical prescriptions throughout the rehabilitation period, all body functions are restored in full and an increase in the concentration of the described hormone is no longer observed.
In the event that there is a need to cure a secondary type of hyperaldosteronism, the patient is referred for studies that determine its cause.
In this case, therapy is exclusively individual approach and all medical preparations, prescribed to bring the body back to normal, are selected in accordance with the patient's performance.
The outcome of treatment depends on the pathology and the degree of its negative impact on the functions of organs and their systems.
When is aldosterone low?
Chronic insufficiency of the adrenal cortex (Addison's disease) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (adrenogenital syndrome). They are characterized by a decrease in the secretion of all hormones produced by this organ. Renal failure, diabetes mellitus, acute alcohol intoxication. At the same time, the body is dehydrated, the sodium level drops, the kidneys do not produce enough renin, as a result, the level of aldosterone decreases. In the postoperative period after removal of a tumor of the adrenal cortex.
Some indirect symptoms that may presumably indicate hypoaldosteronism are:
- Non-stop and rapid weight loss over a long period of time.
- The manifestation of dark pigment on the skin in a noticeable volume.
- The mucous membranes gradually acquire a darker shade.
- Headaches, fatigue, depression.
- Manifestations of hypotension and tachycardia.
- An irrepressible desire to consume table salt in as large volumes as possible.
In the event that the diagnosis of hypoaldosteronism has been confirmed, the patient will be prescribed certain drugs. Their reception can be lifelong, but such a need must be confirmed by all necessary studies. However, underestimated levels of the hormone are rare, for the most part there is an increase in its concentration in the blood.
