Hair Cortisol Analysis: An Update on Methodological Considerations and Clinical Applications

September 2018 in “ Clinical Biochemistry ”

Michael Greff, Jeffrey M. Levine, Awatif M. Abuzgaia, Abdelbaset A. Elzagallaai, Michael Rieder, Stan Van Uum

hair cortisol analysis cortisol Cushing syndrome stress-related disorders cardiovascular diseases

Studysummary Hair cortisol analysis can help diagnose stress-related conditions but needs more refinement for widespread use.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

Hair cortisol analysis was explored as a non-invasive method to measure long-term cortisol levels, offering potential applications in clinical diagnostics and research. The method involved the incorporation of cortisol into hair, allowing retrospective quantification. It was particularly useful in diagnosing conditions like Cushing syndrome, stress-related disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. The analysis extended to animal models and post-mortem applications, providing insights into stress and health conditions. Despite its promise, the technique required further standardization and optimization for broader clinical use.

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research Radiolabel Validation of Cortisol in the Hair of Rhesus Monkeys

50 citations , July 2018 in “Psychoneuroendocrinology”

In this study, researchers found that tritiated cortisol was incorporated into the hair of rhesus monkeys primarily as cortisol and cortisone, as well as other metabolites, after systemic administration.

research Collecting Hair Samples for Hair Cortisol Analysis in African Americans

44 citations , June 2018 in “Journal of Visualized Experiments”

This paper presents a culturally informed protocol designed to improve the collection of hair samples from African Americans for cortisol measurement, illustrating its application with community-based study data.

research Hair Corticosterone Measurement in Mouse Models of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

32 citations , January 2017 in “Physiology & Behavior”

This study found that in rodent diabetes models, measuring corticosterone levels in new growth hair was more sensitive to hyperglycemia-induced changes than using old hair or serum samples.

research Hair Dyeing, Hair Washing, and Hair Cortisol Concentrations Among Women From the Healthy Start Study

33 citations , January 2017 in “Psychoneuroendocrinology”

This study of Danish women found no evidence linking hair cortisol concentration to hair dyeing status or the frequency of hair washing.

research Hair Analysis Provides A Historical Record Of Cortisol Levels In Cushing's Syndrome

217 citations , July 2009 in “Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes”

This study found that hair cortisol levels were significantly higher in patients with Cushing's Syndrome compared to healthy controls, suggesting hair analysis can provide historical information on cortisol exposure.

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

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

This study described a new assay for measuring cortisol in hair and found it may serve as a useful biomarker for long-term cortisol exposure, correlating with 24-hour urine cortisol levels in non-obese subjects.

research Cortisol Determination in Hair and Feces from Domestic Cats and Dogs

199 citations , July 2007 in “General and Comparative Endocrinology”

In this study, researchers found a significant positive association between cortisol levels in hair and feces of domestic cats and dogs, suggesting hair cortisol assays could be a viable option for monitoring chronic stress.

research Human Hair Follicles Display a Functional Equivalent of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis and Synthesize Cortisol

489 citations , June 2005 in “The FASEB Journal”

This study found that human scalp hair follicles can respond to corticotropin releasing hormone stimulation similarly to the classical HPA axis, including up-regulating cortisol production and activating neuroendocrine feedback loops.