DHEA: Cortisol Ratio

- An elevated ratio reflects elevated DHEA levels as compared to cortisol, which favors anabolic activity. Specific cortisol and DHEA abnormalities should be evaluated as outlined previously.

- An increase in DHEAs/Cortisol ratio, was found in patients suffering from panic disorders. Suspect: An abnormal physiological response to stress, with shifting of the steroidogenic pathway to DHEA at the expense of cortisol.

Possible treatment options/lifestlye changes:

- Stress reduction: chronic stress can fatigue the adrenals. Rest, exercise, meditation, relaxation exercises
- Dietary changes: Balance blood sugar, lower calorie, high complex carbohydrate and high fiber diet
- Nutritional supplements: High-grade multivitamin and mineral. Additional Vitamin C, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, and zinc
- Herbal Support: American or Korean ginseng (Panax spp.), Siberian ginseng (Eleuthrococcus senticosus), Withania (Withania somnifera, aka ashwagandha), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) to prolong the half-life of cortisol, Sarsaparilla (Smilax spp.) is a cortisol precursor.

- A decreased ratio generally reflects a more catabolic state. It is associated with cortisol elevations and HPA-axis imbalances. Specific cortisol and DHEA abnormalities should be addressed.

A low DHEA: cortisol ratio is generally associated with chronic stress and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal imbalances. While often observed in individuals as they age, it may also be associated with cognitive and mood disorders, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.

DHEA levels in women tend to decrease more rapidly with aging (especially between 50-60 years of age) than DHEA levels in men.

This calculation represents anabolic and catabolic balance. Since DHEA acts not only as an anabolic hormone, but appears to down-regulate the cellular effects of cortisol, this measurement can theoretically enhance the predictive value of HPA axis dysfunction.