Mineralocorticoids are hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, the core of the adrenal glands. These hormones are critical to the healthy function of the body, and a radical increase or decrease in mineralocorticoids can cause severe health problems or death if it is not addressed. Levels of these hormones in the body can be determined with a blood test. Some conditions which involve these hormones include: Addison's Disease, Cushing's Syndrome, and Conn's Syndrome.
These hormones are among the larger family of steroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for regulating the levels of electrolytes in the body. They determine when the body should secrete or conserve electrolytes such as salt or sodium, and in the process, the hormones also regulate urination and the amount of fluid in the body. Given that maintaining the right balance of electrolytes is very important, one can see the need for correct levels of mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone in the body.
The electrolyte balance in the body plays a role in a number of things, from cellular function to blood pressure. Imbalances can cause a chain reaction of events which can spiral out of control unless the imbalance is corrected. Permanent damages can also be caused by an excess or deficiency which is allowed to persist for prolonged periods. These hormones can swing into action in these situations, with production being stimulated by the body as it sends signals indicating that there is a problem. If production is interrupted for some reason, the body's major organs will start to fail.
In someone with a mineralocorticoid deficiency, such as that caused by Addison's Disease, the body will be unable to regulate levels of electrolytes properly. The resulting imbalance can cause organ failure, vomiting, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and similar syndromes. The condition is treated by administering hormones to compensate for the body's inability to produce the right amount.
When there are too many mineralocorticoids in the blood, the patient can experience weight gain, bruising, infertility, hirsutism, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and a range of other issues. If the increase in levels is caused by the use of mineralocorticoids to treat a medical condition, the dosages will be reduced. If the issue is the result of problems with the adrenal glands, it may be necessary to remove the glands, which means that the patient will need to take supplementary hormones for life to compensate for the steroids not being produced by the body.