Hair Cortisol as a Biomarker for Mood in Bipolar Disorder: A Pilot Study

January 2023 in “ Research Square (Research Square) ”

Lior Maimon, Tomer Milo, Dafna Haran, Ben Cohen, Tamar Danon, Anat Bren, Avi Mayo, Gadi Cohen Rappaport, Uri Alon

hair cortisol biomarker Hamilton Depression Rating Scale HDRS Beck Depression Inventory BDI Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale HAM-A

TLDR Hair cortisol may be a good indicator of recent mood in people with bipolar disorder.

In a pilot study involving 38 participants with bipolar disorder (BD), researchers investigated the potential of hair cortisol as a biomarker for mood states in BD. They measured cortisol levels in 2 cm hair segments, which reflect two months of hair growth, and assessed mood using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). After accounting for age, gender, family status, education, and medication, they found a positive correlation between hair cortisol levels and mood scores across all three scales (r = 0.45–0.55, p <= 0.01). The study concludes that hair cortisol is a promising biomarker for reflecting the mood of BD patients over recent months.

View this study on researchsquare.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

1 / 1 results

research Hair Cortisol Concentrations in Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review

50 citations, February 2021 in “Physiology & behavior”

People with depression often have higher hair cortisol levels, while those with PTSD tend to have lower levels, but more research is needed to understand this fully.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community Dutasteride at 21 years old. Is it safe?

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 12 upvotes 1 year ago

A 21-year-old individual questioning the safety and potential side effects of using Dutasteride for hair loss, after Finasteride and RU58841 had limited effect. The responses vary, with some users suggesting it's safe and others advising to check hormone levels before proceeding.

community How all hormones affect our hair follicles. Not just DHT. Take a look at this paper. Prolactin, melatonin, cortisol, progesterone, testosterone and more

in Research/Science 126 upvotes 2 years ago

The conversation discusses various factors affecting hair loss, not just DHT, and mentions treatments like Minoxidil, finasteride, and melatonin. Some users report personal experiences with these treatments and hormone tests, while others speculate on the role of hormones like prolactin and cortisol in hair loss.

community No luck with meds, Check your Cortisol.

in Treatment 32 upvotes 3 months ago

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

community How to reduce cortisol (stress hormone) naturally?

in Chat 36 upvotes 2 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 Progress? You decide: ~4 months needling, 3 weeks Morr-F (topical fin)

in Finasteride 7 upvotes 5 years ago

The user reported using Morr-F (topical finasteride and minoxidil), microneedling, castor and coconut oil, rosemary oil, and various supplements. They observed some hair regrowth, particularly fine hair on the crown and hairline, after four months of needling and three weeks of Morr-F.

community Hair started thinning and found out i have high cortisol and thyroid issues

in Treatment 8 upvotes 5 months ago

User experienced hair thinning due to high cortisol and thyroid issues, along with insulin resistance. They are taking magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, calcium, and selenium as supplements.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

research Hair Cortisol as a Biomarker for Mood in Bipolar Disorder: A Pilot Study

January 2023 in “Research Square (Research Square)”

Hair cortisol may be a good indicator of recent mood in people with bipolar disorder.