T/Epi-T Ratio

Testosterone/Epi-Testosterone Ratio

Hey Practitioners! Ready to become a world class gut health expert? Join Jeannie Gorman, MS, CCN, for a Free Live Class that dives into how popular diets impact the gut microbiome, the clinical dietary needs of your gut, biomarkers to test to analyze gut health, and gain a clear understanding of the Doctor’s Data GI360™ profile. Register here.

What's

T/Epi-T Ratio

The Testosterone/Epi-Testosterone Ratio, often abbreviated as T/Epi-T Ratio, is a measure used to evaluate the balance between two naturally occurring hormones in your body: testosterone and epi-testosterone. Testosterone, a hormone produced primarily in the testes in men and the ovaries in women, is well-known for its role in developing male characteristics and maintaining muscle and bone strength. Epi-testosterone, on the other hand, is a less active form of testosterone and is often considered its natural counterpart. The T/Epi-T Ratio is simply a comparison of the levels of these two hormones in your body. This ratio is important because it helps to maintain a healthy balance between these two hormones, which is crucial for various bodily functions, including muscle development, bone health, and overall well-being.

If Your Levels Are High

A high Testosterone/Epi-Testosterone (T/Epi-T) ratio means that there's more testosterone compared to epi-testosterone in your body. This could be due to natural variations, but it might also be a sign of certain conditions or external factors. For instance, it could indicate that your body is producing more testosterone, which might be the case in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women or testicular tumors in men. Alternatively, it could mean that your body is breaking down testosterone more slowly, which can happen with certain genetic conditions. External factors can also affect this ratio. For example, certain medications, like anabolic steroids, can increase testosterone levels, leading to a higher T/Epi-T ratio. On the other hand, some substances, like alcohol, can decrease epi-testosterone levels, which would also result in a higher ratio.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of a high Testosterone/Epi-Testosterone ratio could include increased muscle mass, deepening of the voice, excessive hair growth, acne, irregular menstrual cycles in women, and enlarged testicles in men.

If Your Levels are Low

A low Testosterone/Epi-Testosterone (T/Epi-T) ratio means that the balance between your testosterone and epi-testosterone levels is off, with less testosterone compared to epi-testosterone. This could be due to natural variations in your body, but it could also be influenced by certain external factors. For instance, some medications, like opioids or steroids, can lower testosterone levels. Additionally, conditions like hypogonadism, where the body doesn't produce enough sex hormones, or adrenal gland disorders, which can affect hormone production, could also result in a low T/Epi-T Ratio. It's important to remember that this ratio is just one piece of the puzzle and doesn't necessarily indicate a problem on its own. It's the overall balance of these hormones that matters for your health.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of a low Testosterone/Epi-Testosterone ratio could include decreased muscle mass, fatigue, low mood, and reduced bone density.

See References

Test for

Testosterone/Epi-Testosterone Ratio

Sex Steroid Metabolites + UDH II

ZRT Laboratory

Urine

The Sex Steroid Metabolites + UDH II profile, formerly the Advanced Metabolites Profile, provides a broad view of sex steroid hormone metabolite levels and cortisol metabolism. It includes full diurnal melatonin and BPA measurements.

Sex Steroid Metabolites

ZRT Laboratory

Urine

The Sex Steroid Metabolites profile provides a broad view of sex steroid hormone metabolite levels.

CONTENTS

What is it?

High Levels

Low Levels

Order, track, and receive results from 30+ labs in one place.