DHEA, or Dehydroepiandrosterone, Unconjugated, is a significant endogenous steroid hormone, playing a pivotal role in the human endocrine system. This hormone, produced primarily by the adrenal glands, serves as a precursor to both androgens and estrogens, which are the major male and female sex hormones, respectively. Unconjugated DHEA refers to DHEA in its free form, not bound to any other molecules, making it biologically active. The measurement of unconjugated DHEA is crucial in assessing adrenal gland function and in diagnosing various health conditions.

DHEA-S is the sulfate ester of DHEA and only a part of DHEA testing. If this marker was low it would mean that there is potential inflammation blocking DHEA being converted to DHEA-S. 

DHEA is produced in the adrenal glands and is a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen.

The DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate) to cortisol ratio is a marker used in assessing adrenal gland function and can provide insight into the balance of hormones produced by these glands.

DHEA-S is an androgen precursor produced by the adrenal glands, which is then converted into more potent androgens or estrogens within tissues.

Cortisol, also produced by the adrenal glands, is a steroid hormone pivotal to the stress response, glucose metabolism, and inflammation control.

An optimal balance between DHEA-S and cortisol is crucial for maintaining health, as it reflects the state of adrenal function and the body’s response to stress.

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.

The DHEA: Cortisol Ratio is an important marker that helps assess the balance between two crucial hormones produced by the adrenal glands: dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol.

DHEA is often referred to as a "youth hormone" because it supports immune function, mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. On the other hand, cortisol is known as the "stress hormone" because it plays a key role in the body's response to stress, affecting metabolism, immune response, and energy levels.

The ratio between these two hormones is significant because it provides insight into how well the adrenal glands are functioning. A balanced ratio indicates that the body is managing stress well and maintaining overall hormonal balance. However, an imbalance, such as a high cortisol level with low DHEA, can indicate chronic stress, adrenal fatigue, or other health issues.

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.

An optimal ratio indicates proper HPA axis homeostasis.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, is the precursor for estrogens and testosterone, and is therefore normally present in significantly greater quantities than all the other steroid hormones. It is mostly found in the circulation in the form of its sulfate ester, DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S), levels of which in saliva are higher and more stable than those of DHEA. Its production is highest in the late teens to early 20s and declines gradually with age in both men and women.

Levels of DHEA-S reflect adrenal gland function.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, is the precursor for estrogens and testosterone, and is therefore normally present in significantly greater quantities than all the other steroid hormones.

It stands for Dehydroepiandrosterone and is a building block of steroid hormones that is produced predominantly in the adrenal glands. It serves as a precursor to the sex hormone testosterone and estrogen in both men and women. DHEA is also a building block of the stress hormone cortisol and supports immune system function. DHEA may also increase insulin sensitivity, enhance fat metabolism, and act as an antioxidant.

The marker DHEAS Profile, Waking+30min refers to the measurement of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels in the body at 30 minutes after waking up. DHEAS is an endogenous steroid hormone produced predominantly by the adrenal cortex, and to a lesser extent by the ovaries and testes. It serves as a precursor to sex steroids, including androgens and estrogens, and is the most abundant circulating steroid hormone in humans. The significance of measuring DHEAS levels at this time lies in the assessment of adrenal gland function, stress response, and potential endocrine disorders. Upon waking, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is activated, leading to a surge in cortisol levels known as the cortisol awakening response (CAR). DHEAS, being partly regulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) similarly to cortisol, also exhibits a diurnal rhythm and potentially a waking response, although its dynamics can be less pronounced and more variable among individuals.

Produced when Clostridia acts upon unabsorbed tryptophan, tyrosine or phenylalanine.

Produced when Clostridia acts upon unabsorbed tryptophan, tyrosine or phenylalanine.

Produced when Clostridia acts upon unabsorbed tryptophan, tyrosine or phenylalanine.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylpropionic acid (DHPPA) is a marker for beneficial and commensal bacteria. It is produced when specific bacteria metabolize chlorogenic acid, a polyphenol found in various foods, including apples, pears, peas, coffee, sunflower seeds, carrots, blueberries, cherries, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, sweet potatoes, peaches, wine polyphenols, and catechins. The primary bacteria responsible for this process include Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, and E. coli. DHPPA acts as an antioxidant, helping to lower cholesterol, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, and protect against harmful bacteria. Elevated DHPPA levels may reflect a high dietary intake of polyphenols or an overgrowth of bacteria leading to increased polyphenol conversion.

Dihydrotestosterone is an endogenous androgen that is formed from testosterone via 5α-reductase activity in certain tissues including the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, epididymis, skin, hair follicles, liver, and brain.

DHT, relative to testosterone, is more potent as an agonist of the androgen receptor. Inhibition of 5α-reductase activity to reduce prostatic DHT levels is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

DHT has been used clinically as treatment for low testosterone levels in men. DHT is biologically important for sexual differentiation of the male genitalia during embryogenesis.

Circulating levels of DHT are low in relation to testosterone. Deficiency in 5α-reductase results in incompletely virilized males which is clinically supported by an elevated ratio of testosterone to DHT.

Free DHT is a valuable biomarker for evaluating conditions related to hair loss, prostate health, and hormonal imbalances. Understanding and monitoring free DHT levels, alongside other hormonal markers, can provide crucial insights for maintaining overall health and addressing specific medical conditions.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), Percent Free Dialysis is a laboratory measurement used to assess the bioavailable portion of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the bloodstream. DHT is a potent androgen hormone derived from testosterone through the action of the enzyme 5a-reductase. This conversion primarily takes place in target tissues, such as the skin, prostate, and hair follicles, and DHT plays a crucial role in male sexual development and secondary sexual characteristics.