Hormones
Aldosterone
Unit: ng/dLID: H013
What This Test Measures
Adrenal hormone; regulates sodium, potassium, blood pressure
Conventional vs. Functional Optimal Range
Conventional "Normal"
3-16 ng/dLYour doctor says you're "fine" anywhere in this range
Functional Optimal
6-14 ng/dLThis is where you actually feel great
The gap between these ranges is why you feel terrible with "normal" labs. Conventional medicine waits for disease. Functional medicine optimizes for health.
Gabriel's Take
Aldosterone regulates sodium retention and BP. High aldosterone = hypertension, low potassium (Conn's syndrome). Low = adrenal insufficiency → salt cravings, low BP, dizziness. Functional medicine checks aldosterone in resistant hypertension or adrenal dysfunction.
When This Test Is High
Primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome), hypertension
When This Test Is Low
Adrenal insufficiency, salt wasting
Related Conditions
High BP, low potassium, adrenal tumors
Recommended Follow-Up
If high with hypertension, check renin; aldosterone:renin ratio screens for Conn's syndrome