What is the Origin of Cortisol/DHEA-S Ratio?

The measurement stems from the field of endocrinology and adrenal physiology, recognizing the critical and often opposing roles of these two key adrenal hormones. Cortisol is the principal glucocorticoid, while DHEA-S is a major precursor for sex steroids. The concept of the ratio gained clinical relevance as researchers sought a single metric to better capture the dynamic interaction of the HPA axis's stress response.

What is the Mechanism of Cortisol/DHEA-S Ratio?

Cortisol mobilizes energy stores and suppresses inflammation, driving catabolic processes, while DHEA-S is associated with tissue building, immune modulation, and neuroprotection. The balance between these two steroids is maintained by the adrenal cortex under the influence of the pituitary gland. When the body faces prolonged stress, the HPA axis prioritizes cortisol production, shifting the ratio upward and promoting a catabolic state that, over time, can contribute to muscle wasting, bone loss, and impaired hormonal balance.

Cortisol/DHEA-S Ratio ∞ Area

Cortisol/DHEA-S Ratio

Meaning

A clinical biomarker calculated by dividing the measured concentration of the catabolic hormone cortisol by the concentration of the anabolic adrenal steroid dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S). This ratio provides insight into the overall balance of adrenal function and the body’s adaptive response to chronic physiological or psychological stress. An elevated ratio often suggests a state of chronic stress, characterized by relative cortisol dominance, which can be detrimental to immune and metabolic health. Conversely, a low ratio may indicate adrenal exhaustion or a primary adrenal insufficiency.

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What Specific Lab Tests Can Help Determine If Stress from a Wellness Program Is Affecting My Hormones?

Specific lab tests reveal how wellness-induced stress disrupts hormonal communication, guiding a recalibration for true vitality.

∞ Chronic Stress
∞ Cortisol Curve
∞ Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism

HRTioAugust 7, 2025

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Does a Wellness App Have to Offer Credit Monitoring after a Data Breach Involving Health Information?

A wellness app's legal duty to offer credit monitoring is conditional; its biological duty is to recognize the breach as a physiological stressor requiring hormonal recalibration.

∞ Breach Notification
∞ Breach Notification Rule
∞ HIPAA Breach Notification Rule

HRTioAugust 3, 2025

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What Are the Most Important Biomarkers to Track for Longevity?

Tracking a comprehensive array of hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory biomarkers reveals the intricate symphony of your health, guiding a personalized path to enduring vitality.

∞ Healthspan Optimization
∞ Apolipoprotein B
∞ Pentadeca Arginate

HRTioAugust 26, 2025

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What Are the Specific Biomarkers for Assessing Hormonal Impact on Energy?

Specific biomarkers provide a direct assessment of the thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal systems, revealing the root causes of fatigue.

∞ Clinical Endocrinology
∞ Free Testosterone
∞ Endocrine System

HRTioJuly 24, 2025

Cortisol/DHEA-S Ratio

Meaning

Origin

Mechanism

What Specific Lab Tests Can Help Determine If Stress from a Wellness Program Is Affecting My Hormones?

Does a Wellness App Have to Offer Credit Monitoring after a Data Breach Involving Health Information?

What Are the Most Important Biomarkers to Track for Longevity?

What Are the Specific Biomarkers for Assessing Hormonal Impact on Energy?

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