Your adrenal glands are small, but they play a big role in keeping your body in balance—especially when it comes to blood pressure, fluid levels, and electrolytes. During Adrenal Awareness Month, it’s a great time to spotlight a commonly missed condition: Conn’s syndrome, also called primary hyperaldosteronism.
What is Conn’s syndrome?
Conn’s syndrome happens when one or both adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone—a hormone that helps regulate sodium and potassium. When aldosterone is too high, the body may hold onto more sodium (and water), which can contribute to high blood pressure, and it can lower potassium.
Why it Matters
Many people live with high blood pressure for years without realizing a hormone imbalance may be involved. Conn’s syndrome is important because identifying it can help your provider choose the right next steps for care.
People often look into evaluation when they have things like:
- High blood pressure that’s difficult to control
- Low potassium (which can show up on labs even before you “feel” it)
- Symptoms that may go along with low potassium (like fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, or heart palpitations)
Lab Testing Options Available at Any Lab Test Now® (Conn’s Syndrome-Focused)
If you’re looking to start gathering objective information, here are testing options you can access through Any Lab Test Now® that align with common first-step lab evaluation for concerns related to aldosterone/electrolyte balance:
- Adrenal Insight Panel (Most Targeted Option)
This panel was designed specifically to support evaluation for Conn’s syndrome. It includes two tests: a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) to review your electrolyte balance (including potassium), and an Aldosterone/Plasma Renin Activity Ratio to help determine whether your aldosterone is out of balance compared to renin, another adrenal hormone that influences blood pressure. - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
If you’re starting with the basics, a CMP provides helpful insight into electrolytes, including potassium and sodium, which are often part of the Conn’s syndrome conversation. - Renal Function Panel
Because kidneys and electrolytes work closely together, a renal function panel can provide additional context on electrolytes and kidney-related markers, which can be useful when high blood pressure and electrolyte imbalance are concerns.
Adrenal Awareness Month Add-On: Cortisol
Conn’s syndrome is specifically about aldosterone, but Adrenal Awareness Month is also a great reminder that adrenal-related symptoms can overlap with stress and fatigue conversations. If your symptoms are more “stress-response” leaning, cortisol testing is another adrenal-related lab option many people ask about.
Next Step
If you’re dealing with stubborn blood pressure concerns or unexplained electrolyte issues, lab testing can be a practical first move – view options, pricing, and find a location near you online. Take Control Of Your Health!
