---
title: "What does a low Aldosterone mean?"
type: biomarker-interpretation
url: "https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/aldosterone/low"
biomarker: Aldosterone
direction: low
reference_range:
  - "age 18+, upright posture: 0.000 – 30.0 ng/dL"
reviewed_at: 2026-09-08
review_status: reviewed
date_published: 2026-09-05
---

# What does a low Aldosterone mean?

> Low aldosterone with a high renin means the adrenal glands can't respond — Addison's disease (primary adrenal insufficiency) or congenital adrenal hyperplasia — and usually travels with low cortisol, low sodium and high potassium. Low aldosterone with low renin (hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism) is common in diabetic kidney disease and with NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, heparin and some other drugs. A high salt intake and lying flat also lower it physiologically.


## When does this result need same-day care?

- Low aldosterone with potassium above ~6.0 mmol/L, or with vomiting, confusion and very low blood pressure — emergency care (possible adrenal crisis)

## What is the normal range for Aldosterone?

- age 18+, upright posture: 0.000 – 30.0 ng/dL



## What are the common causes of low Aldosterone?

1. Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), congenital adrenal hyperplasia
2. Hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism: diabetic kidney disease, interstitial nephritis
3. Medications: ACE inhibitors, ARBs, NSAIDs, heparin, beta-blockers, calcineurin inhibitors
4. High sodium intake, supine posture, older age
5. Pseudohypoaldosteronism (rare, inherited)

## What symptoms go with low Aldosterone?

- Fatigue, salt craving, dizziness on standing, low blood pressure
- Weakness or palpitations from high potassium

## What do clinicians usually check next?

- Renin, cortisol (morning) and ACTH, sodium, potassium, kidney function
- ACTH stimulation test if adrenal insufficiency is suspected
- Medication review

Follow-up tests at TestWell: [Cortisol (AM)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/cortisol-am) ($26.99), [Cortisol](https://www.test-well.com/tests/cortisol-labcorp) ($32.99).

## How do you recheck Aldosterone?

| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Aldosterone](https://www.test-well.com/tests/aldosterone-test) | Test | $61.99 | No | 3–5 business days |

Plus one $6 lab processing fee per order; physician authorization included.

## Common questions

### Can medications cause low aldosterone?

Yes — ACE inhibitors, ARBs, NSAIDs and heparin are the common ones, usually together with a mildly high potassium. The result is expected on those drugs; an endocrine work-up is for low values off them.

## Related

- [What does a high Aldosterone mean?](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/aldosterone/high)
- [Aldosterone reference ranges](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/aldosterone)
- [Total Testosterone reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/total-testosterone)
- [Free Testosterone reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/free-testosterone)
- [SHBG reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/shbg)

## Sources

- [Mayo Clinic Labs](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/8369)
- [MedlinePlus (NIH) — Aldosterone Test](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/aldosterone-test/)

---

Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-08. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/editorial-policy

Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/aldosterone/low
Machine-readable catalog: https://www.test-well.com/api/catalog.json · MCP server: https://www.test-well.com/mcp · Overview for agents: https://www.test-well.com/llms.txt

Prices are cash-pay, in USD, and include physician authorization; every order adds one flat $6 lab processing fee. Educational content is not a diagnosis — discuss results with a clinician.