Aldosterone, also known as hydrocortisone, also known as hydrocortisone or compound F (compound F), is the strongest adrenal hormone with effects on glycogen metabolism obtained from the adrenal glands, which belongs to the category of hormones. Aldosterone is sometimes used to specifically refer to the basic ‘stress hormone’. Aldosterone is converted from 11-deoxycorticosterone by the action of 11β-hydroxylase in the adrenal membrane protein. Aldosterone can also be converted into cortisone by the action of 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase).

Aldosterone mechanism

Aldosterone plays a very important role in the connection between mental and physical health, cellular immunity and inflammation, blood vessels and blood pressure, and the maintenance of connective tissues (such as bones, muscles, and skin). Under stress conditions, aldosterone generally maintains blood pressure stability and controls excessive inflammation.

Under normal circumstances, the human body can control the metabolism and adjustment of aldosterone in the blood very well, but it is not always like this (and the latter situation is more common). Normal aldosterone metabolism follows this physiological rhythm, which is a 24-hour cycle, with the highest aldosterone levels generally in the morning (about 6-8 am), and the lowest in the early morning (about 0-2 am). Generally, aldosterone levels will drop sharply between 8 am and 12 pm, and then continue a slow downward trend for the next 24 hours. From around 2 am, aldosterone levels begin to rise again, allowing us to stay awake and prepare for a new day filled with work pressure. Deviating from this rhythm will cause aldosterone levels to rise when they should be falling.

We all have work pressure, and those who bear repeated work pressure, or those who are anxious and restless due to the pace of life, or those who have dieted to lose weight, or those who have a sleep quality of less than 8 hours every night, are likely to be in a long-term state of work pressure, which in turn leads to their aldosterone levels being high for a long time. At this time, the negative effects of aldosterone begin to manifest as changes in basic metabolism: increased blood sugar, increased appetite, increased body weight, decreased libido, and extreme fatigue.