5a-THF/5b-THF Ratio

A high 5a-THF/5b-THF Ratio indicates that your body is producing more 5a-THF compared to 5b-THF when breaking down cortisol, the stress hormone. This could be due to a variety of reasons. For instance, it could be a sign of increased stress levels, as your body might be producing more cortisol and hence more 5a-THF. Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or hormonal contraceptives, can also affect this ratio by influencing how your body metabolizes cortisol. Additionally, certain health conditions, like liver disease or metabolic disorders, can alter this ratio as they can affect your body's ability to break down hormones. It's important to note that a high ratio doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem, as this can vary from person to person and can be influenced by many factors.

Symptoms of a high 5a-THF/5b-THF Ratio could include fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and mood swings.

A low 5a-THF/5b-THF Ratio could suggest that your body isn't breaking down cortisol as effectively as it should be. This might be due to a variety of factors, such as genetic conditions, liver disease, or the use of certain medications like corticosteroids or spironolactone. It could also be a sign of conditions like adrenal insufficiency or Cushing's syndrome, which affect how your body produces and manages cortisol. Essentially, a low ratio means your body might be struggling to handle stress at a biochemical level, which could be due to a range of internal or external factors.

Symptoms of a low 5a-THF/5b-THF Ratio could include persistent fatigue, difficulty in handling stress, and a general feeling of being unwell.