ADH
Medical abbreviation · Endocrinology & Diabetes
| Stands for | Antidiuretic hormone |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
ADH stands for Antidiuretic hormone, an endocrinology & diabetes abbreviation.
Hormone made in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary that makes the kidneys retain water, concentrating urine. Its secretion rises with high blood osmolality and low blood volume, and disorders of ADH cause hyponatremia (SIADH) or diabetes insipidus.
Example: Euvolemic hyponatremia with urine osmolality 520: inappropriate ADH activity, check medications.
Usage notes
ADH is the same molecule as arginine vasopressin (AVP), the name now preferred in endocrinology. Direct measurement is unreliable, so copeptin, a stable fragment co-released with it, is used as a surrogate. Alcohol suppresses ADH, explaining increased urination after drinking. In biochemistry ADH also means alcohol dehydrogenase.
Related abbreviations
More endocrinology & diabetes abbreviations
- ACTH – Adrenocorticotropic hormone
- AI – Adrenal insufficiency
- AID – Automated insulin delivery
- AVP-D – Arginine vasopressin deficiency
- CAH – Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- CGM – Continuous glucose monitor
- CS – Cushing's syndrome
- CSII – Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion
- DFU – Diabetic foot ulcer
- DI – Diabetes insipidus
- DKA – Diabetic ketoacidosis
- DM – Diabetes mellitus
See all 64 endocrinology & diabetes abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.