Aldosterone secretory rates in the normal menstrual cycle.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aldosterone secretion rates (ASR), urinary excretion of pregnanediol, urinary Na/K ratio and creatinine clearance were determined at intervals during the menstrual cycle in 13 normal women. The mean value of the aldosterone secretion rate was 140 μg/day in the follicular phase and 233 μg/day in the luteal phase (p< 0.001). This increase in the aldosterone secretion rate during the luteal phase was observed in subjects taking a diet unrestricted in sodium, as well as in 2 subjects with a controlled high intake of sodium (260 mEq/day). When ovulation was suppressed by administration of Enovid, the rise in the ASR previously observed in the second half of the cycle was abolished. No significant change was noted in total body water, 3-hr sodium space, or body weight in the 2 phases of the menstrual cycles studied. The cyclic variation in ASR must be taken into consideration when evaluating women for hyperaldosteronism.