Low Cortisol high ACTH signaling from Pituitary Gland = higher level of Aldosterone?

[Gianluca]

To my understanding when the Adrenal glands fail to produce enough Cortisol the Pituitary Gland will increase ACTH output to cope with the decreased Cortisol production, does it mean that in this case we will have also Higher then needed Aldosterone??

 

[BryanW]

Not necessarily. For example, the aldosterone and cortisol hormone pathways share many enzymes (e.g., 21-hydroxylase). A deficiency in any of the shared enzymes would affect both pathways.

The only way to know for sure is to test both, as well as the relevant hormone precursors.

 

[Gianluca]

thanks I appreciate your response,

Not necessarily. For example, the aldosterone and cortisol hormone pathways share many enzymes (e.g., 21-hydroxylase). A deficiency in any of the shared enzymes would affect both pathways.

The only way to know for sure is to test both, as well as the relevant hormone precursors.