Aldosterone Function and Signs of Imbalance

Aldosterone is one of the hormones made by the adrenal glands, a pair of internal organs that sit just above your kidneys. This hormone performs several important functions, including helping to regulate your blood pressure and balance the levels of two electrolytes, sodium and potassium, in your body.

If your body produces too much or too little aldosterone, you may experience high or low blood pressure, fluid retention, or symptoms related to an electrolyte imbalance. 

Aldosterone Function and Adrenal Roles in Body

Hormones like aldosterone act as messengers that tell your body how and when to perform key functions. These functions include:

• Responding to illness and stress
  
• Regulating the timing of childhood sexual development
  
• Supporting the body in pregnancy
  
• Using nutrients from food
• Balancing salt and water levels in the body
• Managing blood glucose (sugar) levels
• Managing blood pressure

Aldosterone manages your blood pressure and maintains the delicate balance between fluids and salt by regulating your sodium and potassium levels. That’s why people with an adrenal disorder that causes too much or too little aldosterone may experience irregular blood pressure levels or fluid retention.

Production of Aldosterone

Overproduction or underproduction of aldosterone may have many different causes. Some of the possible reasons for excessive aldosterone production include:

• Certain health conditions, such as Bartter syndrome, liver cirrhosis, or primary hyperaldosteronism (too much aldosterone)
• Laxative and/or diuretic abuse
• Heart failure
• Extremely low sodium intake
• Certain medications, especially mineralocorticoid antagonists (blood pressure medications)

If your adrenal glands don’t produce enough aldosterone, potential causes include:

• Extremely high sodium intake
• Adrenal gland disorders, such as Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome
• Adrenal gland tumors (either benign or cancerous)
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Lead poisoning
• Certain medications, such as heparin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Symptoms of Aldosterone Imbalance

Aldosterone imbalances include hyperaldosteronism and hypoaldosteronism (not enough aldosterone). 

Symptoms of hypoaldosteronism include:

• High potassium levels
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Lethargy
• Low appetite
• Low sodium levels
• Stomach pain
• Unexplained weight loss
  
• Weak muscles
  

Meanwhile, symptoms of hyperaldosteronism may include:

• Arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat)
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Headaches
• High sodium levels
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Low potassium levels
• Muscle cramping 
• Spasms
• Thirst

Treatment Options for Aldosterone Disorders

Treatment for hypoaldosteronism often starts with salt and fluid therapy. To treat your symptoms, your healthcare provider may prescribe mineralocorticoids. The first-line treatment is Florinef (fludrocortisone). 

Hyperaldosteronism is sometimes treated with a type of diuretic known as mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), such as Aldactone (spironolactone). Limiting salt intake can also help. If other ways of lowering aldosterone levels fail, your healthcare provider may recommend that you undergo an adrenalectomy, a type of surgery to remove one or both of the adrenal glands. 

If your symptoms are related to an underlying condition, such as diabetes, taking steps to treat that condition could help to relieve your aldosterone imbalance. You may also need to take medication to control your blood pressure.

Summary

Aldosterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, helps to regulate blood pressure, balance electrolytes, and maintain healthy fluid retention. 

Symptoms of hypoaldosteronism, too little aldosterone, include low blood pressure, appetite loss, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Meanwhile, hyperaldosteronism (excessive aldosterone) may cause symptoms like high blood pressure and excessive sodium levels, combined with low potassium. Treatment may include lifestyle changes to manage blood pressure, as well as prescribed medications and surgery to remove the adrenal glands if needed.