What are the symptoms of an excessive Albumin level?
A normal albumin value is usually between 35 and 50 g/L. Abnormal albumin values may indicate dehydration, liver or kidney problems and require further investigation.
Albumin is a protein found in large quantities in the blood and produced by the liver. It plays a crucial role in maintaining colloid osmotic pressure, which helps keep fluid in blood vessels, and in transporting various substances through the blood. In this blog, we discuss what a normal albumin level is, what the symptoms of excessive albumin levels are, and what steps you can take to address abnormalities.
What is a normal albumin value?
The normal value for albumin in the blood varies depending on age and gender, but is usually between 35 and 50 g/L (grams per liter). At Bloedwaardentest.nl, the reference values applicable to you are always reported personally.
What does an excessive albumin level mean?
An excessive albumin level, also called hyperalbuminemia, is rare and can indicate dehydration or serious infections. It can also be a sign of certain medical conditions such as liver or kidney disease. Symptoms of hyperalbuminemia may include:
- Dehydration: Symptoms of dehydration may include thirst, dry mouth and skin, fatigue and dizziness.
- Liver disorders: Symptoms may include jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes), fatigue, and abdominal pain.
- Kidney disorders: Symptoms may include swelling (edema), especially in the legs and ankles, fatigue, and changes in urine production.
What is albumin?
Albumin is an important protein in the blood produced by the liver. It plays a crucial role in maintaining colloid osmotic pressure, transporting hormones, vitamins, drugs and other substances, and in maintaining the pH balance of the blood.
What does albumin in urine mean?
Albumin in urine, also called albuminuria, can indicate kidney problems. Normally, albumin is not found in large amounts in urine because the kidneys filter this protein and return it to the blood. Elevated levels of albumin in the urine can be a sign of kidney damage.
Normal values for albumin in urine
The normal value of albumin in urine is below 30 mg/g creatinine. Values above this limit may indicate microalbuminuria (30-300 mg/g creatinine) or macroalbuminuria (above 300 mg/g creatinine), which is more serious and may indicate significant kidney damage.
Calculation of free testosterone using albumin
Albumin also plays a role in the calculation of free testosterone. Testosterone in the blood exists in three forms: bound to the protein SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin), bound to albumin, and in free form. Free testosterone and albumin-bound testosterone are considered bioactive because they are available for use by cells. The ISSAM (International Society for the Study of the Aging Male) formula is used to calculate the concentration of free testosterone, considering both total testosterone and albumin concentrations. This helps in obtaining a more accurate picture of a person's hormonal status, especially in assessing testosterone deficiencies or surpluses.
What can you do in case of abnormal albumin values?
If your albumin level falls outside the normal range, it is important to find out the underlying cause. At Bloedwaardentest.nl, you can have several additional tests performed to gain more insight into your liver and kidney health, such as:
- Liver function tests: to check for liver diseases.
- Kidney function tests: to check for kidney damage or disease.
- Blood tests for electrolytes: To assess dehydration and other metabolic problems.
- Urinalysis: To measure the presence of albumin and other substances in the urine.
In short for you!
It is important to keep your albumin levels balanced for good overall health. Regular monitoring through a blood test can help detect abnormalities early and address them. Consult your doctor if you have symptoms that may indicate liver or kidney problems.
At Bloedwaardentest.nl, we offer comprehensive blood tests, including tests to measure albumin and other important blood values. albumin is part of most sports tests and is always reported at Testosterone Free according to ISSAM.
