Hormone Panel Updated Apr 17, 2026

Aldosterone

Aldosterone is a hormone measured in blood, often as part of hormone-focused testing. It helps describe how the body is regulating salt and fluid balance, so an Aldosterone test result can be read alongside related blood markers and the Aldosterone reference range.

What Is Aldosterone?

Aldosterone is a hormone measured in blood that helps describe how the body regulates salt and water balance. On a lab report, Aldosterone reflects hormone activity rather than a red blood cell measure. Aldosterone on a blood test is usually reported as a concentration, and the value is interpreted against the lab’s Aldosterone normal range.

Why Is Aldosterone Tested?

Aldosterone is usually ordered in hormone-focused testing, including the Hormones panel and related hormone workups. It may also appear in broader evaluations where fluid balance and mineral regulation are being reviewed. An Aldosterone test adds context to other blood results by showing how much of this hormone is circulating at the time of the draw. On a lab report, Aldosterone is often interpreted with other chemistry or hormone markers rather than by itself.

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Aldosterone Normal Range

Group Range Unit
Adult Male 4–31 ng/dL
Adult Female 4–31 ng/dL

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory and individual factors.

What Does High Aldosterone Mean?

A high Aldosterone test result generally means more of this hormone is circulating than expected for the lab’s Aldosterone reference range. Depending on the method, values above the upper limit, such as above about 30 ng/dL in upright samples or above the lab’s stated cutoff, may be flagged as high Aldosterone. This can reflect a stronger hormonal signal for sodium retention and fluid conservation. A high Aldosterone result is best read with the collection position, time of day, and related lab values.

Associated factors

Dehydration — lower fluid volume can stimulate the body to release more Aldosterone.
Low sodium intake — reduced salt intake can increase Aldosterone signaling.
Standing or upright posture — posture can raise Aldosterone compared with a resting supine sample.
Physical exercise — activity can temporarily increase Aldosterone through fluid and salt shifts.
Pregnancy — hormone changes can raise Aldosterone as circulation expands.
Diuretic medicines — these can increase salt loss and lead to higher Aldosterone.
Smoking — nicotine exposure may influence hormone regulation and raise Aldosterone.
High altitude — reduced oxygen environment can alter fluid and hormone balance, including Aldosterone.

What Does Low Aldosterone Mean?

A low Aldosterone test result generally means less of this hormone is circulating than expected for the Aldosterone normal range. In many labs, values below the lower cutoff, such as under about 4 ng/dL in upright samples or under the lab’s stated minimum, may be flagged as low Aldosterone. This can reflect a weaker hormonal signal for sodium retention and fluid conservation. A low result is usually interpreted with the sampling position, time of collection, and other hormone data.

Associated factors

High sodium intake — greater salt intake can reduce Aldosterone signaling.
Lying down before the draw — a supine sample can be lower than an upright sample.
Some blood pressure medicines — certain drug classes can suppress Aldosterone production or release.
Hormone-based contraception — some formulations can alter Aldosterone levels.
Low potassium intake — reduced potassium stimulation can lower Aldosterone.
Recent fluid loading — higher fluid volume can suppress Aldosterone.
Certain steroid medicines — these can interfere with hormone control pathways.
Advanced age — natural hormone output can be lower in some older adults.

How Aldosterone Relates to Other Values

Aldosterone is often read with sodium, potassium, and creatinine on related lab work, because these values help show how fluid and salt balance are changing. On a blood test, Aldosterone may also be considered alongside renin, especially when the lab order is focused on hormone regulation. If sodium is low or high while Aldosterone is high or low, that pattern adds context to the Aldosterone test result. Related markers such as calcium and magnesium may also help describe the broader mineral balance.

What Factors Affect Aldosterone Levels?

Aldosterone can vary with time of day, posture, hydration, and recent physical activity. Salt intake, potassium intake, and some medicines can also shift the Aldosterone reference range for a given person. Men and women may show different typical patterns, and pregnancy can raise Aldosterone. Altitude and smoking can also affect Aldosterone on a lab report. Different lab methods and sample conditions can make one Aldosterone test result differ from another even when the overall pattern is similar.

How It Is Tested

Aldosterone is measured from a blood sample collected from a vein. The lab measures the hormone concentration and reports it in units such as ng/dL or pmol/L, depending on the method. An Aldosterone test on a lab report may also note posture, time of draw, or collection conditions.

How to Prepare

Preparation for an Aldosterone test depends on the lab order and collection method. Some samples are timed or position-specific, so the report may include details that affect the Aldosterone test result.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a normal Aldosterone level?
A normal Aldosterone level depends on the lab method and whether the sample was collected standing or lying down. Many references use a range around 4 to 31 ng/dL for upright blood samples, but the report’s Aldosterone normal range is the best match for that result. The Aldosterone test result should always be compared with the stated reference interval.
What does Aldosterone stand for?
Aldosterone does not stand for a longer phrase; Aldosterone is the hormone name itself. In a blood test, Aldosterone refers to a circulating hormone measured from blood. The report may list it as Aldosterone on a lab report or Aldosterone on a blood test.
What does a high Aldosterone mean on a lab report?
A high Aldosterone on a lab report means the measured hormone level is above the lab’s reference range. This can happen when the body is signaling for more sodium retention or when collection conditions shift the result upward. The exact meaning of high Aldosterone depends on posture, time of draw, and other lab values.
What does a low Aldosterone mean on a lab report?
A low Aldosterone on a lab report means the measured hormone level is below the lab’s reference range. This can reflect less hormone signaling or a sample collected under conditions that reduce Aldosterone. The result is interpreted with the collection method and the rest of the hormone panel.
Can hydration affect Aldosterone?
Yes, hydration can affect Aldosterone. Lower fluid volume can increase Aldosterone, while higher fluid intake can reduce it. That is one reason an Aldosterone test result may vary between tests.
What is the difference between Aldosterone and renin?
Aldosterone is a hormone that helps regulate salt and water balance, while renin is an enzyme-like signal involved earlier in the same control system. On a blood test, Aldosterone is often reviewed with renin because the pair gives more context than either value alone. The two results together can show how the body is regulating fluid and mineral balance.
What unit is Aldosterone measured in?
Aldosterone is commonly measured in ng/dL or pmol/L, depending on the laboratory method. Some reports may use other units, but the unit should always be shown next to the Aldosterone test result. The unit matters when comparing results to the Aldosterone normal range.
How much can Aldosterone change between tests?
Aldosterone can change noticeably between tests because it is affected by posture, time of day, salt intake, and hydration. Even a same-day repeat can differ if collection conditions change. That is why an Aldosterone on a blood test is usually interpreted with the sample details.
Is Aldosterone different for men and women?
Aldosterone can show small differences between men and women, but the lab’s reference range is the main standard for interpretation. Hormonal state, hydration, and sample timing can also affect the result. Many labs use the same Aldosterone normal range for adult men and adult women.
Why is Aldosterone tested in a Hormones panel?
Aldosterone is tested in a Hormones panel to show how a person’s hormone signaling is linked to salt and fluid balance. It adds context to other markers and can help describe whether the body is holding onto or releasing more sodium and water than expected. On a lab report, Aldosterone is usually read with the rest of the panel rather than alone.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation. Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Always discuss your results with a qualified healthcare professional.

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