What is the significance of the free testosterone to cortisol ratio?

From the Guidelines

The free testosterone to cortisol ratio is a critical indicator of an individual's anabolic-catabolic balance, with a higher ratio generally considered desirable, indicating a favorable balance between anabolic and catabolic processes in the body 1.

Key Considerations

• A higher free testosterone to cortisol ratio is associated with better overall health and performance, as evidenced by studies on male athletes, where significant changes in bioenergetic and stress hormones during intensified training have been reported 1.
• Hypogonadism has been documented in male athletes, highlighting the importance of monitoring and maintaining a healthy free testosterone to cortisol ratio 1.
• Lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep, can help optimize the free testosterone to cortisol ratio, as can dietary changes, including a balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates 1.

Medication and Supplements

• In some cases, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be necessary to increase free testosterone levels, with typical doses ranging from 75-100 mg per week, administered via intramuscular injection.
• To reduce cortisol levels, medications like phosphatidylserine or ashwagandha may be recommended, with typical doses ranging from 300-500 mg per day, although it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medications or supplements 1.

Monitoring and Maintenance

• Regular monitoring of the free testosterone to cortisol ratio is crucial, as physiologically relevant changes in hormones can occur in short time frames, and marked recovery can be observed when nutrition and energy status are restored 1.
• Carbohydrate restriction can significantly affect testosterone and cortisol responses to intense training in male athletes, highlighting the importance of careful nutritional planning 1.

From the Research

Significance of the Free Testosterone to Cortisol Ratio

The free testosterone to cortisol ratio (FTCR) is a widely used indicator for studying and preventing overtraining syndrome in various sports 2. The ratio is calculated by dividing the level of free testosterone by the level of cortisol in the blood.

Uses of the FTCR

• The FTCR is used to evaluate the anabolic-catabolic balance in athletes, with lower values indicating a higher level of catabolism and potential overtraining 3, 4.
• A decrease in the FTCR of 30% or more is often used as an indicator of temporary incomplete recovery from intensive training and residual weariness 2, 5.
• The FTCR can be influenced by dietary factors, such as carbohydrate intake, with a moderately high diet of carbohydrates necessary to maintain the validity of the ratio 4.

Limitations of the FTCR

• The use of an absolute value as a threshold for the FTCR is not useful, and the evaluation of the concentrations of hormones and their ratio in comparison with previous ones is more useful 2.
• The FTCR may not be an adequate indicator for the anabolic-catabolic balance in female athletes, and its use may be limited to male athletes 6, 5.
• The FTCR can be influenced by various factors, such as training volume and intensity, and may not always accurately reflect the athlete's condition 3, 6.

Applications of the FTCR

• The FTCR can be used to monitor the training status of athletes and to prevent overtraining syndrome 2, 5.
• The ratio can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and to make adjustments to optimize performance 3, 6.
• The FTCR can be used in conjunction with other indicators, such as performance parameters and hormonal measurements, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the athlete's condition 6, 5.