The relationship between cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can be expressed as a ratio, providing insight into hormonal balance. This metric is derived by dividing the cortisol level by the DHEA level, typically using measurements from saliva, blood, or urine samples. For example, if a patient’s cortisol level is measured at 10 mcg/dL and their DHEA level is 5 mcg/dL, the resulting ratio would be 2:1. The units of measurement for both hormones must be consistent for accurate calculation.
This hormone balance indicator is of interest because it can offer supplementary information on stress response and adrenal function. While not a diagnostic tool on its own, shifts in this value, when considered alongside other clinical information, may suggest a potential imbalance. Historically, researchers have investigated associations between this measurement and various physiological states, including aging, chronic stress, and certain disease conditions.
