Understanding Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) and Its Role in Fluid Balance

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as arginine vasopressin (AVP), is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus in the brain and released by the posterior pituitary gland. Its main function is to regulate the amount of water in the body by controlling the amount of urine produced by the kidneys.

When ADH levels are high, it causes the kidneys to reabsorb more water back into the bloodstream, which results in less urine production. This helps to maintain proper fluid balance in the body and prevent dehydration. Conversely, when ADH levels are low, the kidneys produce more urine, which can help to dilute concentrated urine and prevent overhydration.

Antidiuretic hormone is also used as a medication to treat conditions such as diabetes insipidus, where the body is unable to regulate fluid levels properly. It is also sometimes used to treat certain types of bleeding disorders, such as von Willebrand disease.