sue1234 Posted September 20, 2008 Report Share Posted September 20, 2008 I had that tested over a year ago, and the few doctors(non-specialists) I asked about it said it was fine. Is it?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernie Posted September 20, 2008 Report Share Posted September 20, 2008 Hi,Do you have the normalcy range from the lab? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sue1234 Posted September 20, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2008 It says < or = 28. I don't know if 3 is too low, but I'm sure I'd rather be closer to midrange. But I'm wondering if 3 is low enough in range to cause all the POTS symptoms I have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MightyMouse Posted September 20, 2008 Report Share Posted September 20, 2008 From MedLinePlus:Normal values range from 1.5 to 85 micrograms per 24 hours. However, results depend on the amount of sodium in your diet. The greater the amount of dietary sodium, the lower the level of aldosterone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunfish Posted September 20, 2008 Report Share Posted September 20, 2008 are your values from a urine test or blood work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernie Posted September 20, 2008 Report Share Posted September 20, 2008 Hi,Aldosterone is high in people with high BP. It also depends if it was taken supine or standing and after how much time standing.I wouln't worry about it unless you have lots of presyncopal events. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sue1234 Posted September 20, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2008 I had it done after sitting around the doctor's office at the appointment, and then sitting in the waiting room for the blood draw. I don't have high b/p in general, usually sits around 120/75. Just, according to my tilt table test, the longer I stand, the higher my b/p goes up. I cannot go out and do shopping or even sitting in a stressful situation, as I feel lightheaded. I walk to the car, from the car to my next chair, and back to the car. The heat in this south is unbearable--I stay in my a/c house most of the time. I can't work, drive, and do normal things. The longer I'm up and around, the more lightheaded I get, I start getting real hot, and my hands and feet swell. I know that's when I've pushed myself too long, even though that might have only been 20-25 minutes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sue1234 Posted September 20, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2008 By the way, what kind of doctor best works with POTS? Especially is aldosterone is the problem? I have been seeing mostly endos, and a cardiologist. No luck with any of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firewatcher Posted September 21, 2008 Report Share Posted September 21, 2008 http://www.circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/111/13/1574Here is an article on the Renin-Aldosterone paradox in POTS. Low Aldosterone is apparently commonplace for POTS. I don't have a clue since my Aldosterone is high If you can find a good Endo that deals with the dysautonomias and neuropathies of Diabetes you'll get more answers.Good Luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sue1234 Posted September 21, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 21, 2008 Thank you so much for the article. I actually have had a 7mm growth on one of my adrenal glands for the same length of time that I've had POTS symptoms. Just can't get any labs to confirm a pheo, but I'm always thinking it's sitting there doing something! In other words, IT'S there AND I have symptoms, so, to me, it kind of connects the dots(even without labs). My latest doctor is the first to have me, next week, stand for as long as I can, then have the lab tech draw blood to check my catecholamine levels. Sounds smart to me, as sitting quietly and drawing blood is not truly representing my situation(or anyone's with POTS)! I can't wait to see what shows up. Just hope he knows what to do with the data. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firewatcher Posted September 21, 2008 Report Share Posted September 21, 2008 Sue, while you are there, have them do an orthostatic BP/HR on you while you stand so that you have the numbers from your base and the progression (don't let them balk, just have them leave the pulse ox meter on your finger.) If you get really tachy and a catecholamine surge you'll have two more dots to connect. You may not have a pheo, there are other adrenal tumors that may or may not secrete anything. Good luck!Jennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delphicdragon Posted September 21, 2008 Report Share Posted September 21, 2008 Mine was 3 too. The endo I was going to felt this was too low and gave me florinef for it. Helped SO much, but caused a ton of swelling, so now I just have it for emergencies when my BP is really low. My lab had values for aldosterone between 3 and 28 as normal. So technically I was normal. However, the endo I spoke with said since I was having symptoms of low aldosterone, he was going to give me florinef. He said he wouldn't have given me the meds if my aldosterone was in the 7-9 range.Sara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa Posted September 22, 2008 Report Share Posted September 22, 2008 I had that tested over a year ago, and the few doctors(non-specialists) I asked about it said it was fine. Is it??Hi Sue1234I recommend you to ask your question to my friends of the the following forum. They know a lot about adrenals: aldosterone, cortisol, thyroid, etc. Post your labs on this forum together with the lab normal values and ask for help.By the way, how did you got the test done?Did you fasted salt 24 h. before the test?Were you on or off treatment? By the way: Women must test these the first 7 days of their cycle since the higher progesterone levels in the 2nd and 3rd week will likely raise their aldosterone artificially high (aldosterone come from progesterone) ...(Tell them on the forum too).Take a look here: Testing aldosteroneHope you can get the answer to your doubts,Take care,Love,Love Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sue1234 Posted October 1, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2008 I have not done the test yet, as everyone has been busy and I haven't had a chance to do labs. Will do them next week.Tessa,To answer some of your questions:1. My endo ordered all those tests at the first appt. Now this is NOT the first endo I've been to(been to many, as I have ongoing thyroid issues). 2. I had a normal diet beforehand, as I didn't know any better or about the labs being taken that morning.3. I have not received any treatment yet. The only thing I take, besides thyroid meds, is xanax at bedtime.4. And I have only about 1 period a year(low FSH/LH, so not menopause). I wouldn't know what phase in the cycle I might be in.Thanks for the forum--I'll look into it!Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa Posted October 1, 2008 Report Share Posted October 1, 2008 You are welcome, SueBy the way, they just opened a more specific one. Could be useful: an email group run by Chris offering support on adrenal issues Adrenal info-FAQTake care,Love,Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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