The function of aldosterone is to help regulate the body’s water and electrolyte balance. Aldosterone plays an important role in regulating blood pressure, increasing the reabsorption of water and electrolytes, and excretion of potassium. The proper functioning of this hormone is necessary for the normal functions of the body to continue. However, if aldosterone levels increase uncontrollably, it can cause health problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems and kidney damage.
What is the aldosterone hormone?
The hormone aldosterone, which plays an important role in controlling the resulting sodium and potassium levels, is produced in the adrenal glands. The production of this hormone is regulated by changes in sodium and potassium levels in the body. Low sodium levels or high potassium levels increase aldosterone secretion, while high sodium levels or low potassium levels decrease aldosterone secretion.
Aldosterone plays an important role in regulating vital functions such as sodium and potassium balance in the body. However, excess or incomplete secretion of aldosterone can lead to disturbances in fluid and electrolyte balance and cause health problems such as heart diseases, kidney diseases and high blood pressure. Function of aldosterone hormone:
- Its main task is to regulate the sodium and water balance of the body by increasing the reabsorption of the tubules in the kidneys.
- Aldosterone increases the reabsorption of sodium in the tubules of the kidneys, thereby keeping sodium in the body.
- Aldosterone also controls potassium levels in the body by increasing the excretion of potassium in the tubules of the kidneys.
- Aldosterone also controls blood volume in the body by regulating blood pressure.
What disease occurs in the deficiency of the hormone Aldestrone?
Low aldosterone hormone is known as “hypoadosteronism” and is a rare disease. Hypoadosteronism can cause the sodium and potassium balance in the body to be disturbed and blood sodium levels to drop. This occurs due to reduced reabsorption of sodium in the kidneys and not decreased excretion of potassium. Hypoadosteronism may occur due to insufficient functioning of the adrenal glands or low aldosterone hormone. This condition can be classified as primary or secondary hypoadosteronism.
Hypoadosteronism is a disease that develops gradually. Initial symptoms may include fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting and diarrhea. As the disease progresses, symptoms such as low blood pressure, palpitations, dizziness, pale skin, increased salt requirement and dehydration may occur. In addition, hypoadosteronism causes a decrease in sodium levels and an increase in potassium levels, which can lead to serious complications such as heart rhythm disturbances, muscle cramps, lethargy and even paralysis.
What should be the aldosterone hormone values?
Normal values of aldosterone hormone may vary according to age, gender and health status. Generally, aldosterone levels in men tend to be higher than in women. Also, aldosterone levels can change throughout the day, and stress, physical activity, and other factors can affect aldosterone levels.
A normal healthy person’s aldosterone levels are usually between 3-16 ng/dL. But having high or low aldosterone levels can be a sign of many health problems. High aldosterone levels are often associated with a condition known as primary aldosteronism. This condition can be caused by an adrenal tumor that causes an overproduction of the hormone aldosterone. High aldosterone levels can also cause health problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems and kidney damage.
Which organs produce the hormone aldosterone?
The hormone aldosterone is produced by small glands called the adrenal glands.
What are the factors that affect the levels of the hormone aldosterone?
Levels of the hormone aldosterone can be affected by many factors, including age, gender, health status, stress, physical activity, and medications.
What health problems can low levels of the hormone aldosterone cause?
Low levels of the hormone aldosterone are associated with a condition known as Addison’s disease. This condition occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. Low aldosterone levels can cause symptoms such as low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, fatigue, muscle weakness and fainting.