How does Aldosterone Influence Cortisol Levels?

What is Aldosterone?

Aldosterone is a steroid hormone that adrenal glands secrete. Aldosterone functions by
regulating salt and water in the body, thereby leaving an effect on blood pressure. Aldosterone is a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal glands' outer section (cortex), which is placed above the kidneys. It plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure primarily by acting on organs like the kidney and the colon to augment the amount of salt (sodium) reabsorbed into the bloodstream and elevate the potassium excreted in the urine. Aldosterone also causes water to be reabsorbed with sodium; this augments the blood volume and, resultantly, blood pressure.

How to control aldosterone?

Aldosterone is part of a group of related hormones which produce the renin-angiotensin-
aldosterone system. Stimulation of this system takes place when there is a decrease in blood flow to the kidneys because of the loss of blood volume or a drop in blood pressure (e.g., due to a hemorrhage). Renin is an enzyme that causes a series of chemical reactions that leads to the production of angiotensin II, which in turn arouses aldosterone release. Aldosterone increases salt and water reabsorption into the bloodstream from the kidney, thereby elevating the blood volume and restoring salt levels and blood pressure. The most common cause of increased aldosterone levels is excess production, frequently from a small benign adrenal tumor. The symptoms of high aldosterone levels include high blood pressure, low blood levels of potassium, and an abnormal elevation in blood volume.

Function of aldosterone

Aldosterone helps manage blood pressure by controlling the balance of potassium and sodium in the body. Cortisol hormone works in combination with adrenaline and noradrenaline to help regulate a person's reaction to stress. Cortisol hormone also regulates metabolism, sugar levels, and blood pressure. Aldosterone's primary function is to help control blood pressure. Aldosterone performs this important function in the following techniques:

• Aldosterone alerts specific organs, such as the kidneys and colon, to enhance the amount of sodium they send into the bloodstream or the amount of potassium released in the urine
• Aldosterone's effect on sodium increase leads the body to retain water in the blood, which enhances blood volume

All of these actions are required to increase blood pressure levels to a normal range once they
begin to drop

In a way, aldosterone also plays a vital role in managing and controlling the blood's pH (acid-
base balance) and electrolyte levels.

Tests to measure aldosterone levels

The aldosterone: renin ratio test is the most popular test doctors or medical experts recommend to check possible issues with the aldosterone: renin ratio. Renin and aldosterone are closely related, and the aldosterone: renin ratio test helps in ascertaining whether there's an issue with aldosterone production and function or a problem with the renin-angiotensin system.

The aldosterone: renin ratio test usually needs a blood sample from a vein in the arm. Doctors
can also measure the levels of just aldosterone in the blood or urine.

In some cases, doctors might also recommend a test that needs a blood sample from the renal veins (for renin) or adrenal veins (for aldosterone) by inserting a catheter. This test is conducted by a skilled and qualified radiologist in a hospital.

What is the cortisol hormone?

Cortisol is known as the stress hormone due to its role in the body's stress response.
However, the hormone cortisol is way more than just stress.

This steroid hormone is present and formed in the adrenal glands. Most of the cells in the
human body own cortisol receptors that use cortisol for different functions, such as:

• To regulate blood sugar
• To reduce inflammation
• To regulate metabolism
• To formulate memory

Cortisol hormone is vital for your health, but too much of it can affect your health negatively and
cause many unwanted symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of high cortisol levels

High cortisol levels can show several signs and symptoms throughout the body, and symptoms can vary depending on the reason for the elevated cortisol levels.
Typical symptoms of too much cortisol hormone are:

• Weight gain, especially around the waist and upper back
• Easy bruising
• Flushed face
• Slowed healing
• Thinning skin
• Muscle weakness
• Severe fatigue
• Irritability
• Rounding of the face
• Acne
• Difficulty concentrating
• High blood pressure
• Headache

If you have symptoms of high cortisol levels, it's best to start by booking a blood test to see how increased your cortisol level is. Based on the results, a healthcare professional can help to identify the underlying cause and help you get your cortisol level back to a healthy level.