The endogenous hormone adrenaline is released in increased amounts, especially in the context of stressful situations. However, the potential effects of the hormone adrenaline have long been underestimated.
What is adrenaline?
The hormone adrenaline is basically produced in the adrenal glands. Synonymous with the term adrenaline, the term epinephrine is used, especially in modern medicine. As an integral part of the human body, the hormone adrenaline is stored in the organs of the human body as well as in its nervous system. The release of the hormone epinephrine occurs only in the context of a stimulus overload. However, adrenaline is not only released in the context of extreme stress situations. For example, adrenaline levels can also be increased by a particularly high level of physical activity. A severe lack of oxygen can also drive adrenaline levels noticeably higher. To prevent the sometimes life-threatening side effects of adrenaline, modern medicine uses a simple method to measure adrenaline levels.
Measuring and examining epinephrine
The hormone epinephrine can be detected in the blood plasma of the human body. Alternatively, to measure adrenaline levels, a person’s urine can be collected over a 24-hour period. For example, a breakdown product of the body’s own hormone is detected only in the collected urine. If a blood sample is being considered for determination of the adrenaline level, the patient should lie still for a period of at least 30 minutes before the actual blood sample is taken. This is the only way to obtain reliable values with regard to the adrenaline level. Even light physical activity prior to the actual blood draw can noticeably increase the adrenaline level. Adherence to firmly defined standard values is also essential. In the course of a blood test, the adrenaline level must not exceed a value of 80 nanograms per liter. However, since individual laboratories often work with different units of measurement, a value of up to 4.4 nanomoles per day is alternatively considered normal. There should be no more than 20 micrograms of the endogenous hormone in the urine. Alternatively, a value of up to 110 nanomoles per day is tolerated in urine testing.
Function, effects, and roles
In modern medicine, the hormone epinephrine is held in particularly high regard for its therapeutic capabilities. The hormone epinephrine is used in the context of circulatory arrest to revive vital functions. In addition, spasms in the bronchial tubes and asthma can also be effectively treated with the body’s own hormone. Adrenaline is also frequently used as a local anesthetic. In the human organism, adrenaline primarily causes increased blood pressure and heart rate. This results, among other things, in a reduced glycogen metabolism. At the same time, however, the glycol level rises to a particularly high degree. The possible side effects of the body’s own hormone adrenaline should therefore not be neglected.
Diseases, complaints and disorders
Low levels of adrenaline are generally considered harmless by leading medical experts. Various medications in particular can have an inhibitory effect on adrenaline levels. However, an elevated adrenaline level basically requires extensive research into the cause. If the body produces too much adrenaline, symptoms such as palpitations or sweating may occur. Not infrequently, the symptoms already mentioned are accompanied by relatively severe headaches. In most cases, the affected patients sweat very profusely. In addition, a strong feeling of anxiety is often experienced. If left untreated, elevated adrenaline levels can lead to serious complications. These include severe cardiac arrhythmias as well as bleeding in the area of the brain. Since it is not uncommon for a serious underlying disease to be responsible for an elevated adrenaline level, affected patients must undergo a comprehensive examination. This is the only way, for example, to rule out high blood pressure in good time. In addition, any tumors that may be present can be identified at an early stage as a possible cause of increased release of adrenaline.