Measurement of Cortisol, Dehydroepiandrosterone, and Testosterone in the Hair of Children: Preliminary Results and Promising Indications

November 2018 in “ Developmental Psychobiology ”

Jesse Smith, Katherine A. Johnson, Sarah Whittle, Nicholas B. Allen, Julian G. Simmons

cortisol dehydroepiandrosterone testosterone DHEA

TLDR Hair can effectively measure DHEA and testosterone levels in children.

This study aimed to explore the relationships between hair-based hormone levels and physical development in children. It involved 114 children, with a mean age of 8.5 years, including 66 females. Researchers measured cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and testosterone in the hair's 0–3 cm section near the scalp. In a subset of 35 females, the 3–6 cm segment was also analyzed. Findings indicated a strong correlation between testosterone and DHEA, and a moderate correlation between testosterone and cortisol in the 0–3 cm section. Higher hormone concentrations were found in the 3–6 cm segment. Additionally, a weak positive association was observed between DHEA levels and height. These results suggested that hair could be a valid medium for measuring DHEA and testosterone, supporting the potential of hair analysis in understanding hormone-related developmental processes.

View this study on hdl.handle.net →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

5 / 5 results

research Maternal Influence on Child HPA Axis: A Prospective Study of Cortisol Levels in Hair

122 citations , October 2013 in “PEDIATRICS”

Maternal stress during pregnancy affects a child's stress levels.

research An Investigation of Hair Cortisol Concentration Across Body Sites and Within Hair Shaft

22 citations , January 2010 in “Clinical Medicine Insights Endocrinology and Diabetes”

Forearm hair has more cortisol than lower leg hair.

Hair as a Retrospective Calendar of Cortisol Production—Increased Cortisol Incorporation into Hair in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

research Hair as a Retrospective Calendar of Cortisol Production—Increased Cortisol Incorporation into Hair in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

501 citations , October 2008 in “Psychoneuroendocrinology”

Hair cortisol levels can show increased stress during late pregnancy but only for up to six months.

research Measurement of Cortisol in Human Hair as a Biomarker of Systemic Exposure

567 citations , October 2007 in “Clinical and investigative medicine”

Hair cortisol can be used to measure long-term stress exposure.

research The Rise in Adrenal Androgen Biosynthesis: Adrenarche

173 citations , November 2004 in “Seminars in Reproductive Medicine”

Adrenarche increases adrenal androgens around age 6, affecting hair growth and development.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 228 results

community What are your thoughts on pre-finasteride blood work?

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 1 upvotes 2 years ago

The user is considering resuming finasteride after a 6-month break and is debating the necessity of extensive blood work, including hormone and health markers, to establish a baseline. They are unsure if the tests are necessary since they experienced no side effects previously.

community Please take a vitamin & hormone test

in Chat 254 upvotes 1 year ago

Checking vitamin and hormone levels is important for addressing hair loss, as deficiencies in vitamin D, zinc, and iron can affect hair growth. Treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and vitamin supplements are used, but addressing deficiencies is crucial for effectiveness.

Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

community Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

in Research 865 upvotes 1 year ago

The treatment for androgenetic alopecia involves using finasteride and minoxidil with intense exercise and cold exposure to boost metabolism and reduce androgenic effects, potentially leading to hair regrowth. This approach may activate biological pathways for improved hair and overall health.

community No luck with meds, Check your Cortisol.

in Treatment 36 upvotes 1 year ago

Cortisol from stress can cause hair loss. Controlling cortisol levels improved the effectiveness of finasteride for hair regrowth.

community Low cortisol it is due the fin

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 6 upvotes 7 months ago

The user has been taking 1mg finasteride daily for a year with no improvement in hair loss and reports low cortisol levels, sleep issues, and anxiety changes. The conversation includes discussions on the potential effects of finasteride on cortisol and neurosteroids, with suggestions to consult a doctor and consider other factors.

community Result of my cortisol, prolactin, testosterone, ACTH blood test,

in Update 4 months ago

OP is using 5% minoxidil and a foligain supplement for hair loss, with blood test results showing high cortisol levels. OP is considering starting finasteride, while another user shares their experience with finasteride and hair loss challenges due to malabsorption issues.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research The Serum Evaluation of Sex Hormones Including DHEAs, DHT, Testosterone in Oral Lichen Planus Patients

1 citations , May 2025 in “Scientific Reports”

Sex hormones do not cause oral lichen planus.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – An Overview

November 2018 in “International Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Research”

PCOS is a hormonal disorder causing symptoms like irregular periods and acne, and increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

research The Clinical Evaluation of Hirsutism

67 citations , September 2008 in “Dermatologic therapy”

Hirsutism is excessive hair growth in women often caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome, and identifying the cause is important for managing associated health risks.

research Evidence-Based Approach to Cutaneous Hyperandrogenism in Women

42 citations , July 2015 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

The conclusion is that oral contraceptives and antiandrogens can treat hirsutism and acne in women with cutaneous hyperandrogenism, but more research is needed for effective treatments, especially for hair loss.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Dermatological Approach

26 citations , February 2011 in “Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia”

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can cause hair loss and skin issues, and early treatment is important for preventing complications.