Fluid balance Pituitary gland

Vasopressin (ADH)

Written by the VitaWhat editorial team · Medically reviewed by Steve Davis · Last reviewed 19 July 2026 · Editorial policy

The antidiuretic hormone that controls how much water the kidneys keep.

What it does

  • Concentrates urine to conserve water
  • Helps regulate blood pressure

Too much

  • Too much causes water retention and low blood sodium

Too little

  • Too little causes diabetes insipidus — huge thirst and dilute urine
Keeping it balanced: Normal hydration and healthy kidneys keep water balance steady.

Sources & references

  1. You and Your Hormones (Society for Endocrinology)
  2. NHS — Hormonal conditions

Think a hormone may be out of balance?

The symptoms of hormonal excess and deficiency are non-specific — tiredness, weight change, low mood and poor sleep have many everyday causes. No hormone problem can be self-diagnosed from a symptom list.

Diagnosis needs blood tests interpreted alongside your history, sometimes repeated at set times of day because many hormones vary hour to hour. Speak to a GP if symptoms are persistent; seek urgent care for severe symptoms such as confusion, fainting, chest pain or extreme thirst with frequent urination.

Related entries

AldosteroneAdrenaline (Epinephrine)CalcitoninCortisolDopamineErythropoietin (EPO)
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