Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) Profile

This test may be used to help detect antidiuretic hormone deficiencies and excesses. Since ADH helps maintain and regulate the balance of water in the body, there may be many conditions, disorders or medications that may affect the amount of ADH released or the way our kidney's respond to ADH. This test may be ordered may also be ordered to identify the reason for a low blood sodium level or assist in the identification of SIADH (Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion).

Excessive or deficient levels of ADH may be due to a chronic condition, due to an underlying disease, or may be due to an acute condition, due to and infection or trauma. Increased levels of ADH may be seen with dehydration, diabetes insipidus, trauma or surgery. Levels may also be increased with some cancers, such as pancreatic, lung, bladder or brain. Some central nervous system disorders and pulmonary disorders may also cause an increase in ADH levels, such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, emphysema or tuberculosis.

Decreased levels of ADH may be seen with excessive water drinking, low serum osmolality test an diabetes insipidus.

Increased osmolality results may be due to too much sodium in the body, dehydration, hyperglycemia, or diabetes insipidus.

Decreased osmlolality results may ve due to too little sodium in the body or excessive water drinking (overhydration). 

Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: Mar 12, 2020