HPA Axis Variation and ACEs: Childhood Sexual Trauma Is Associated With Lower Hair Cortisol in Adulthood

    June 2023 in “ Psychoneuroendocrinology ”
    C.M. Burnett, Sara D McMullin, Eric A. Goedereis, Stephanie Schroeder
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    TLDR Childhood sexual trauma, especially between ages 5-7, is linked to lower cortisol levels in adult hair, suggesting long-term stress response changes.
    The study "HPA Axis Variation and ACEs; Childhood Sexual Trauma is Associated with Lower Hair Cortisol in Adulthood" involved 84 participants who provided hair samples and completed a modified adverse childhood experiences (ACE) questionnaire. The participants were randomly assigned to either a stress group or a control group. The study found no significant relationships between stressor, ACE score, and cortisol reactivity. However, it was found that sexual trauma was the only type of trauma significantly related to hair cortisol levels. Specifically, sexual abuse occurring between the ages of 5-7 was associated with blunted hair cortisol, suggesting a potential critical stage of development. The study concludes that it's necessary to consider the heterogeneity of stress responses, which can present as both hyperactive and blunted function of the HPA axis, while also considering the type, quantity, and age of trauma experienced.
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