However, too much aldosterone can cause high blood pressure ( hypertension) and low potassium. This action is important if the body has low salt and water levels, that could risk a low blood pressure.
It acts in the kidney to cause sodium and water to be retained, and potassium to be lost. Aldosterone helps the kidney conserve salt when it is needed. This hormone helps to maintain the body’s salt and water balance, which is important for maintaining blood pressure. Mineralocorticoids: the most important of which is aldosterone. The adrenal cortex produces three hormones, from three different layers:ġ.
What hormones do my adrenal glands produce? All adreno-cortical hormones (ie hormones produced by the adrenal cortex) are steroid compounds made from cholesterol. These hormones travel via the bloodstream and act on various other body tissues. The adrenal glands secrete different hormones which act as 'chemical messengers'. Click to enlarge What do my adrenal glands do?Įach adrenal gland is composed of two distinct parts: the outer part called the ‘adrenal cortex’ and the inner part called the ‘adrenal medulla’.
