Developmental Trajectory of Hair Cortisol Concentrations Across Childhood
January 2026
in “
Neuroscience Applied
”
New to Hydrocortisone? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → Studysummary Hair cortisol levels decrease as children age, stabilizing around age 4.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The study analyzed the developmental trajectory of hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) in children from newborns to 7 years old, involving 212 mother-child pairs. Results showed that HCC mean values and standard deviations decrease with age, with significant differences observed from newborns to 3 years, but stabilization from ages 4 to 7. The higher cortisol levels in early childhood may be linked to organ growth and development, while the decrease over time suggests maturation of the stress system. These findings are crucial for clinicians and researchers working with HCC in pediatric populations.
