Study of hormones of the adrenal cortex - Causes, symptoms and treatment. MF.
The hormones of the adrenal cortex( cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone) are also called "stressful" and "immune".They modulate the function of the thyroid gland and increase the body's resistance to stress, various diseases and disorders of the functioning of many organs.
Study of the biologically active level of these hormones provides information on the hidden biochemical disorders that cause:
stresses,
depression,
chronic fatigue,
unbalanced emotional state and lack of well-being,
insomnia,
resistance to diseases( immune disorders),
menstrualdisorders,
obesity and other nutritional abnormalities,
aging of the body, Alzheimer's disease,
change in blood sugar level,
pk and cardiovascular diseases and others.
Often hormonal system failure causes or exacerbates the skin and allergic diseases. When allergic diseases are often observed violations of the pituitary-adrenal system, a decrease in the function of the adrenal cortex. For skin diseases, for example.atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, and others are also observed changes.
Based on laboratory tests, a qualified physician will be able to adjust the hormone level with certain medications. Also, to reduce the stress load, an individual corrective therapeutic program can be developed - with a diet, certain physical exercises, etc.
The important thing is to take a blood test on an empty stomach( you can not even drink it).Blood is taken from the vein. It is advisable to take to 10 - 10.30.
Blood counts: ACTH, cortisol, aldosterone, epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine.
Indices in the urine: 17-ketosteroids, 17-oxycorticosteroids, aldosterone, epinephrine, noradrenaline.
1) Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate( DEA-c, DEA-SO4) is a steroid androgenic hormone synthesized by the adrenal cortex. It is used by the body to produce testosterone and estrogen. Its excess content can lead to the threat of termination of pregnancy and spontaneous miscarriage.
In what cases is a blood test performed on DEA-c?
adrenogenital syndrome;
tumors of the adrenal cortex;
is an ectopic ACTH-producing tumor;
habitual miscarriage;
fetal hypotrophy;
delay in puberty;
diagnosis of the state of the feto-placental complex from 12-15 weeks of gestation.
How to prepare for the analysis of blood on DEA-s?
Before giving blood, it is recommended to avoid stress and fatigue, limit physical activity, refrain from frequent smoking. It is desirable to take blood in the morning hours, on an empty stomach. If you need to take blood at other times, you need to refrain from eating for 4-6 hours.
What drugs can not be taken before the blood test is performed on DEA-c?
Dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisolone, diprospan, estrogens, oral contraceptives. When donating blood, it is necessary to inform the nurse about taking medications that affect the level of hormones in the blood.
Normal blood test for DEA-c:
These values may vary according to age, test systems and analyzers used:
females: 810 - 8991 nmol / l;
male: 3591 - 11907 nmol / l.
2) Cortisol common
Cortisol is a common steroid hormone of the adrenal cortex, which plays a key role in defensive reactions of the body to stress and hunger and takes part in the regulation of many metabolic processes.
What does the increase in the level of cortisol in the blood test mean?
Elevated levels of cortisol in the blood - a sign of serious illness. When pregnancy, the level of cortisol increases in the body 2-5 times and this is the only case that does not indicate a pathology.
In what cases is a blood test administered for total cortisol?
hirsutism;
diagnostics of Addison's and Itenko-Cushing's diseases;
oligomenorrhea;
premature sexual development;
osteoporosis;
abnormal skin pigmentation;
muscle weakness.
How do I prepare for a blood test for cortisol?
On the eve of the hormonal analysis of cortisol, stop taking estrogen, opiates, oral contraceptives and other drugs, after consulting with an endocrinologist. Do not go in for sports and do not smoke the day before the test.
Blood cortisol norm:
age & lt;16 years - 83 - 580 nmol / l
age & gt;16 years - 138 - 635 nmol / l
3) Aldosterone
Aldosterone is the hormone of the adrenal cortex, which acts on the kidneys, regulating the water-salt balance in the human body( potassium and sodium content).
What is the function of aldosterone in the human body?
Under the action of aldosterone, sodium and chlorine retention occurs in the renal tubules, which leads to a decrease in the release of fluid in the urine, then, saliva, and simultaneously promotes the excretion of potassium from the body. Aldosterone affects the maintenance of blood pressure, increasing its blood level leads to the formation of edema and increased blood pressure, decreased muscle tone, convulsions, and heart rhythm disturbances.
When is the blood test for aldosterone?
for the diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism, adrenal adrenal and adrenal hyperplasia;
with difficult to control arterial hypertension;
with orthostatic hypotension;
with suspected adrenal insufficiency.
Preparation for the analysis of blood for aldosterone:
For a period of 2 weeks before the study, a low-carbohydrate diet without salt restriction is recommended. Before the study, stress and intense exercise should be eliminated, which can lead to a temporary excess of aldosterone. Before the study, it is desirable to cancel preparations that can affect the exchange of sodium and potassium ions( diuretics, antihypertensives, steroids, oral contraceptives and estrogens) in agreement with the attending physician.
The norm of aldosterone in the blood is 35-350 pg / ml
The decoding of adrenal hormones should be handled by a doctor endocrinologist, in some cases - by a gynecologist.