Aldosterone results - anyone know how to interpret?

[LPLx]

Hi everyone,

Can anyone help me to interpret the above results of an aldosterone test, please? I'm not too sure what this means. I also wasn't asked to sit and relax for a while or anything. It was just done quickly and then I left the clinic, I read something that I was supposed to be relaxed for around 15-30 mins before hand, so concerned this may have affected the results?

All the best,

L

[Jazzw]

It’s so frustrating when those we rely on to know the right conditions for testing turn out to have no idea, isn’t it?

However… I think you can probably conclude those results are fairly normal. It’s above the bottom of the ref range for resting and within the range for standing.

So, looking at your previous post where you explained that recent testing showed your cortisol to be low, it’s possible there’s an underlying pituitary issue, rather than this being something like Addison’s Disease. It could potentially be an indicator of secondary adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison’s is primary adrenocortical insufficiency). But you’d need more tests to know whether there actually is a pituitary issue.

I haven’t read enough of your previous posts to get a picture for how you’ve got to where you are—but would hazard a guess that thus far you’ve not had too many answers from doctors and have had to do the detective work yourself to find an explanation for how you’re feeling?

[LPLx in reply to Jazzw]

Yep!! you got it in one, Jazzw . A LOT of detective work myself. However, I am now working with a naturopathic doctors in the US who have been so very helpful and I am starting my natural thyroid medicine tomorrow! I don't have autoimmune thyroid disease, so they have also suggested that I may have a pituitary issue, although I think I have an underlying autoimmune disease elsewhere that my body has been battling for many many years, so I wonder if this could have messed all the hormones up?

So very frustrating, but it makes us so knowledge because you don't have a choice but to advocate for yourself haha! This forum has been an absolute shining light for me

Do you know if there's any further tests I can do for pituitary issues?

Thanks so much for your help!

L xx

[Jazzw in reply to LPLx]

Have you had ACTH tested? That’s the hormone that should be produced by the pituitary signalling to the adrenal glands that they need to make cortisol. So if your ACTH levels are a bit low, that might be a clue to what’s going on.

Pituitary issues can cause more than one problem—for example, there might be issues around your pituitary being able to prompt the release of sufficient thyroid stimulating hormone. If that happens, the signal isn’t loud enough and the thyroid doesn’t get the message that more thyroid hormone needs to be made—that’s secondary hypothyroidism.

Doctors often miss pituitary issues because blood tests which test for primary thyroid, adrenal and other hormone disorders (as opposed to secondary disorders) don’t tend to look particularly abnormal.

But keep in mind there might not be a pituitary issue at all—this could still be a red herring. But at least it’s something you might be able to rule out.

[LPLx in reply to Jazzw]

Thank you!! That's really great to know. I will do this, actually. I have had a naturopathic doctor say to me that it could be my pituitary gland. All my other hormones are also out of whack.

Thanks so much for your help!

L

[Jazzw in reply to LPLx]

Have you ever had a blow to the head or lost a lot of blood in a short space of time (a classic example of this is haemorrhaging after giving birth—the pituitary disorder which can arise as a result is known as Sheehan’s Syndrome).

Alternatively, it might be that there’s a tiny tumour on your pituitary gland (don’t panic about that possibility—chances are it would be benign) or that it’s always been a bit dysfunctional (could be hereditary or congenital). A brain scan might be useful at some stage.

Or—as I said earlier, this could be nothing to do with your pituitary.

[LPLx in reply to Jazzw]

Yeah, I have a feeling it's genetic. My father has never been able to control his emotions, gets stressed so very easily and has a TSH of 4.5 but has not got antibodies for thyroid! Has very severe ADHD and anxiety. I plan to get him tested and treated but he's still under the impression that the GP knows best and they have said his thyroid is fine (lol). One day... i'm trying to get him to read up on what every is saying about thyroid function and the real 'optimal' range for functioning.

Thanks so much for your help. I will try and control the hormones, firstly and then I think it would be good to look into the pituitary gland and see what's happening.

All the best,

L x