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Testosterone Cortisol Ratio

Meaning

The Testosterone Cortisol Ratio is a critical clinical biomarker calculated by dividing the circulating concentration of testosterone by the circulating concentration of cortisol, typically measured in serum or saliva. This ratio serves as a sensitive indicator of the body’s overall anabolic (building) versus catabolic (breaking down) state and is widely used to assess physiological stress and recovery status. A lower ratio often suggests an elevated catabolic state, indicative of overtraining, chronic stress, or inadequate recovery, while a higher ratio is generally associated with optimal anabolic drive and adaptation. It provides a direct, quantifiable snapshot of the endocrine balance.