Applications of Hair as a Record of Systemic Exposure to Cortisol

January 2019

Jeffrey Levine

hair cortisol content HCC cortisol Cushing’s syndrome Addison’s disease biomarker hair growth rate nitrogen evaporation NaOH hair digestion

TLDR Hair cortisol content can indicate cortisol exposure and varies with age, puberty, and BMI in youth.

The study explored hair cortisol content (HCC) as a biomarker for systemic cortisol exposure, focusing on hair growth rates in Cushing’s and Addison’s patients, and the relationship between HCC and factors like age, puberty, sex, and BMI in healthy children and adolescents. It found that a 0.75 cm/month hair growth rate better matched 50% of patients' medical records compared to the assumed 1 cm/month. HCC was positively correlated with age, puberty status, and BMI in 7-17-year-olds. Additionally, nitrogen evaporation improved cortisol recovery over air evaporation, and NaOH hair digestion expedited cortisol extraction. These findings refined HCC analysis methods and clarified normal HCC variations in youth.

View this study on ir.lib.uwo.ca →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community How to reduce cortisol (stress hormone) naturally?

in Chat 37 upvotes 3 years ago

The conversation discusses natural ways to reduce cortisol, such as avoiding caffeine, getting proper sleep, syncing with the sun, walking in nature, breathing exercises, increasing calories, and not doing keto. Magnesium supplements are recommended for stress reduction.

community CASSIOPEA ANNOUNCES VERY POSITIVE PHASE II TWELVE MONTHS RESULTS FOR BREEZULA® (CLASCOTERONE) IN TREATING ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA

in Update 163 upvotes 6 years ago

Clascoterone (Breezula) showed positive results for treating hair loss without affecting cortisol levels. Opinions vary, with some users optimistic about its potential and others critical of its effectiveness compared to existing treatments like finasteride.

community The Ultimate Guide to growing your hair back (revised).

in Treatment 161 upvotes 5 months ago

Hair loss treatments include using finasteride, dutasteride, and RU58841. Lifestyle changes like increasing carb intake and moderate alcohol consumption are suggested to boost estrogen levels.

community My hair after 3 steroid cycles

in Progress Pictures 27 upvotes 1 year ago

A user shared their hair progress after three steroid cycles, using 5% minoxidil and 100mg RU58841 daily. They are considering a hair transplant due to paranoia about shedding.

community Scientists have uncovered a simple way to cure hair loss – as incredible before–and–after photos show the results in just 8 weeks

in Research/Science 283 upvotes 1 month ago

Scientists claim a combination of caffeine, two proteins, and Centella asiatica extracts can cure hair loss, but skepticism remains due to past unfulfilled promises. Users discuss various treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and microneedling, expressing doubt about the effectiveness of new methods.

community Does going to the gym really cause hair loss?

in Research/Science 12 upvotes 8 months ago

Exercise temporarily increases DHT levels, but this is unlikely to cause significant hair loss. Finasteride and minoxidil are effective treatments to manage hair loss.

Related Research

4 / 4 results

research Hair Cortisol as a Novel Biomarker of Stress

July 2011 in “Neurotoxicology and Teratology”