Detection of Cortisol, Estradiol, and Testosterone in Archaeological Human Hair from the Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt

This study applied a modified ELISA technique to analyze cortisol, estradiol, and testosterone in hair samples from 10 individuals from the Kellis 2 cemetery in Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt. The results showed that all three hormones were preserved and detectable, with incremental patterns reflecting endogenous secretion during life. Cortisol and estradiol levels in pre-menopausal females, as well as testosterone levels, fell within expected reference values, while estradiol levels in males and postmenopausal females were higher than projected. The findings demonstrated that steroid reproductive hormones can be preserved in archaeological hair, providing new insights into ancient health and fertility.