What is the Origin of DHEA-to-Cortisol Ratio?

The concept is rooted in the physiological understanding of adrenal steroidogenesis, where both DHEA and cortisol are synthesized from cholesterol in the adrenal cortex. The use of the ratio as a diagnostic tool emerged from endocrinology and stress research, which sought a more dynamic indicator of adrenal reserve and stress adaptation than single hormone measurements. This combined metric offers a nuanced view of the body's allostatic load.

What is the Mechanism of DHEA-to-Cortisol Ratio?

Cortisol is the primary glucocorticoid, mediating the catabolic stress response by mobilizing energy stores and suppressing inflammation. DHEA, conversely, possesses mild androgenic and potentially anti-glucocorticoid effects, promoting anabolism and tissue repair. The ratio reflects the relative dominance of these opposing hormonal influences, serving as a surrogate marker for the body's capacity to cope with chronic physiological or psychological stressors and maintain endocrine equilibrium.

DHEA-to-Cortisol Ratio

Meaning

A clinical biomarker representing the quantitative relationship between the adrenal steroid hormones dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol, typically measured in serum or saliva. This ratio provides insight into the functional status of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the balance between anabolic and catabolic processes. A lower ratio often suggests chronic stress, adrenal fatigue, or a shift toward catabolism, while a higher ratio may indicate an anabolic advantage or DHEA supplementation.

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