Hair Cortisol and Other Hair Analytes Decline With Storage Over a One-Year Period: A Systematic, Within-Subject Investigation

September 2025 in “ Psychoneuroendocrinology ”

Katharina Huthsteiner, Johannes B. Finke, Eva M.J. Peters, Tim Klucken, Tobias Stalder

hair cortisol cortisone progesterone oleoylethanolamide 2-arachidonoylglycerol OEA 1/2-AG

Studysummary In this study, researchers found that storing hair samples for over 12 months significantly lowers the concentrations of important analytes such as cortisol and cortisone, recommending analyses within six months to ensure data quality.

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This study investigated the impact of storage duration on hair cortisol and other analytes over a 12-month period, using samples from 81 participants. Results showed significant decreases in concentrations of hair cortisol (-28.0%), cortisone (-23.7%), progesterone (-43.9%), OEA (-33.8%), and 1/2-AG (-69.9%) after 12 months. Notably, declines were evident after six months for several analytes and even after three months for progesterone. The study concludes that extended storage adversely affects analyte quality, recommending analysis within six months of sampling and emphasizing the importance of transparent reporting of storage methods in research.

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