ADH/Vasopressin

Did you know that in our bodies there is a hormone that helps the kidneys to store water? This hormone is called ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) or Vasopressin. Any imbalances in ADH levels can cause diabetes insipidus.  

To avoid diseases and to learn how to keep this hormone balanced, continue reading this article.  

ADH hormone is secreted by nerve cells found at the base of the brain (called the hypothalamus). ADH’s function is to maintain blood pressure and volume; it also signals the kidneys to keep the right amount of water (as needed) in the body and release the excess water in the form of urine.  

Not having enough ADH hormone in the body can lead to frequent urination, dehydration, low blood pressure, or even damage to the hypothalamus. Excess ADH hormone can lead to the syndrome called SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic hormone). So, it is important to maintain the levels of this hormone by drinking lots of fluids and eating a proper diet. Call us on 1-347-384-5690 to get a consultation or REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT with Doral Health& Wellness.  

Where is it produced?  

ADH hormone is produced by the hypothalamus which is found at the base of the brain. It is stored and released into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland.  

What does it do?  

ADH performs several functions like managing blood pressure and fluid volume in the body. The main function of ADH is to manage water content in the body by signaling the kidneys.  

It also helps while we sleep or in case of emergencies when we can’t get water by making kidneys produce less water, so less urine is produced.  

Other than that, there is a synthetic form of ADH hormone which is used to treat medical conditions, including: 

• Diabetes insipidus (a condition where kidneys do not respond to vasopressin hormone in the body due to tumor, injury, or medication side effects which leads to a lot of urination and water loss creating extreme thirst). 
• Conditions of bleeding abnormally (Von Willebrand disease and mild hemophilia A). 
• Esophageal variceal hemorrhage (a condition where veins get enlarged and bleed).  
• Asystolic cardiac arrest (where the heart stops beating with no electrical activity detected).  
• Septic shock (a serious condition where blood pressure goes extremely low after getting an infection).  

This form of external ADH is used in the form of injections, injected directly in muscle or veins.  

Symptoms of low and elevated levels of vasopressin  

If your body does not produce enough vasopressin hormone, kidneys excrete too much water out of the body in the form of urine, which can generate symptoms like:  

• Dehydration 
• Low blood pressure 
• Damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland  
• Primary polydipsia (condition of excessive or compulsive drinking of water) /excessive thirst  
• Peeing very often or developing Central diabetes insipidus 
• Elevated levels of blood sodium. 

If your body produces excess vasopressin, these are the symptoms you might notice: 

• Low levels of blood sodium 
• Headaches 
• Nauseous  
• Feeling tired  
• SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone) is a syndrome where the body produces more vasopressin than needed. It causes excessive water retention in the blood and reduces levels of blood sodium in the body. 

Diseases like lung cancer, porphyria, and tumors in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland might be associated with increased ADH levels.  Want to learn about the treatments for this hormonal imbalance? 

Call us on 718-DORAL-55 to get a free consultation.  

Management 

To manage the levels of ADH hormone you can follow these tips: 

• Drink lots of water regularly to maintain water levels in the body. Eat a good diet.  
• Make sure you are getting enough sleep to maintain overall body functions. 
• If you have ADH deficiency, you can take the synthetic form of this hormone to maintain the levels. It comes in oral or in injection form. 
• If your hormonal levels get affected by medication, change the medications (talk to your doctor about it). 
• If you smoke or drink alcohol you need to stop for a few months to make sure that this is not the reason for the fluctuation in your hormones. If it is, quit smoking and drinking alcohol.

ADH is an important hormone that helps to maintain water levels in the body. Although you can’t manage the hormonal fluctuations you can prevent them by following the above points.

Want to know how to diagnose your ADH levels? At Doral Health and Wellness, we have doctors that can help you manage your condition. For more information, you can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, 11212, or call us on 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://doralhw.org or contact us at info@doralhw.org if you have any queries.