An Investigation of Hair Cortisol Concentration Across Body Sites and Within Hair Shaft

January 2010 in “ Clinical Medicine Insights Endocrinology and Diabetes ”

Christopher F. Sharpley, Kate Kauter, James R. McFarlane

cortisol hair shaft HPA axis forearms lower legs

TLDR Forearm hair has more cortisol than lower leg hair.

The study investigated cortisol concentrations in hair from different body sites and along the hair shaft in young male and female adults. It found no significant differences in cortisol levels along the hair shaft, supporting the idea that the hair shaft was "alive" and responsive to environmental demands. However, hair from forearms had significantly higher cortisol concentrations than hair from lower legs, indicating a localized response. The study raised questions about the connection between central and peripheral HPA axes, suggesting the need for further research.

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An Investigation of Hair Cortisol Concentration Across Body Sites and Within Hair Shaft

Research cited in this study

research Hair as a Retrospective Calendar of Cortisol Production—Increased Cortisol Incorporation into Hair in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

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

research Neuroimmunology of Stress: Skin Takes Center Stage

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research Use of Hair Cortisol as a Biomarker for Chronic Stress in Pregnancy

research A Preliminary Study of Steroid Reproductive Hormones in Human Hair

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