Aldosterone Hormone: When and Why It’s Tested

What Is Aldosterone?

Aldosterone is a hormone made by your adrenal glands. These small glands sit on top of your kidneys.

This hormone helps your body control blood pressure. It does this by managing how much sodium and potassium your kidneys keep or remove. Sodium holds water in your body. Potassium helps balance fluids and keeps nerves and muscles working properly.

When aldosterone works well, your body keeps the right amount of salt and water. This helps your blood pressure stay in a healthy range.

Doctors often look at aldosterone levels when they suspect problems with blood pressure, adrenal glands, or certain hormone-related conditions.

When Is Aldosterone Testing Recommended?

Aldosterone testing helps doctors find out if your body is making too much or too little of this hormone.

The test may be recommended if you have:

• High blood pressure that is hard to control or appears at a young age
• Low blood pressure with symptoms like dizziness or fainting
• Low potassium levels that don’t improve with diet
• Muscle weakness or cramps without clear cause
• Fatigue or tiredness linked to hormone imbalance
• A suspected adrenal gland issue, such as a tumor or abnormal growth
• Salt craving or signs of dehydration despite drinking fluids

How Is Aldosterone Testing Conducted?

Aldosterone is usually measured in your blood or urine.

Test Types

• Blood Test: A sample is taken from your vein to check aldosterone levels.
• Urine Test: You collect urine over 24 hours to measure how much aldosterone your body releases.

Sometimes, this test is done with another test called the renin test. The combination helps doctors understand how your kidneys and adrenal glands work together.

Preparation

You might need to follow special instructions before testing:

• Reduce or avoid salt in your diet for a few days.
• Stay in a certain position (sitting or lying down) before the test.
• Avoid intense exercise before testing.
• Tell your doctor about any supplements you take.

Always follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider.

What Are the Normal Aldosterone Levels?

Normal aldosterone levels vary depending on the test type and body position during testing.

• Blood test (sitting position): 3-28 pg/mL in supine position
• 24-hour urine test: 70–350 pg/mL in the upright position 

Note: The units of measurement and the normal ranges can differ depending on the laboratory and the specific methods used.

What Do Abnormal Levels Mean?

Abnormal aldosterone levels can point to problems with your adrenal glands, kidneys, or fluid balance.

Aldosterone High Levels

When aldosterone is too high, your body keeps too much sodium and loses too much potassium.

Common causes include:

• Primary aldosteronism: Overactive adrenal glands making too much aldosterone.
• Adrenal tumors: Growths on adrenal glands that increase hormone production.
• Kidney disease: Poor kidney function can affect hormone levels.
• Heart conditions: Some heart problems trigger changes in aldosterone.
• Stress or dehydration: These can temporarily increase levels.

• Follow a low-sodium diet to reduce pressure on your system.
• Eat potassium-rich foods like bananas, spinach, and avocados.
• Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
• Stay hydrated, especially in hot weather.
• Exercise regularly to support heart and kidney health.
• Talk to a doctor about further testing if symptoms continue.

Aldosterone Low Levels

Low aldosterone can cause your body to lose too much sodium and hold too much potassium.

Common causes include:

• Adrenal insufficiency: The adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones.
• Certain infections or injuries: These may damage the adrenal glands.
• Genetic conditions: Some people are born with hormone disorders.
• Too much salt in the diet: This can affect how the body regulates aldosterone.

• Drink fluids with electrolytes during hot weather or after exercise.
• Include salt in moderation if recommended by your doctor.
• Avoid extreme heat and stress that can worsen symptoms.
• Get regular check-ups if you have adrenal or pituitary conditions.
• Watch for signs like dizziness, salt craving, or extreme fatigue.

Which Specialist Should You Consult?

If your aldosterone levels are too high or too low, it’s best to see a specialist. The right doctor depends on your symptoms.

You may be referred to:

• An endocrinologist for hormone and adrenal issues
• A nephrologist for kidney-related problems
• A cardiologist if high aldosterone affects your heart or blood pressure

These specialists can help find the cause and recommend the right care.