Hair Cortisol/Cortisone in Combined Oral Contraceptive Users: An Exploratory Analysis
November 2025
in “
Contraception
”
New to Hydrocortisone? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → Studysummary This study suggests that using combined oral contraceptives does not increase hair glucocorticoid levels, but hair treatments should be considered as a confounder in stress biomarker assessments.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
This study investigated the relationship between combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and chronic biological stress, measured by hair cortisol and cortisone levels, in 48 White South African women (24 COC users and 24 non-users). The findings revealed no significant differences in glucocorticoid levels between the groups. However, when excluding women with hair treatments, a modest increase in glucocorticoids was observed among COC users, influenced by BMI and body fat. The study concluded that COC use is not linked to higher hair glucocorticoid levels, but hair treatments may impact detection. Further research with larger samples and consideration of hair treatments is advised.
