TLDR Child abuse is linked to higher BMI, but not because of hair cortisol or cortisone levels.
The study concluded that hair cortisol and cortisone levels did not mediate the relationship between child maltreatment and body mass index (BMI). Despite higher levels of experienced abuse being associated with higher BMI and increased hair cortisone levels, these stress-related biomarkers did not explain the link between maltreatment and BMI. The findings suggested that other factors, such as eating behaviors and metabolic health indicators, might be responsible for the observed association between early adversity and later obesity. The study emphasized the need for further research into alternative pathways and mechanisms.
157 citations
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June 2015 in “Psychoneuroendocrinology” Hair cortisol and cortisone levels increase with age, are higher in diabetics, vary by gender, decrease with frequent hair washing, and are lower in winter.
80 citations
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January 2011 in “Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM)” Hair cortisol levels can reflect salivary cortisol levels in humans.
2 citations
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December 2021 in “Scientific reports” Scalp hair sweating is a significant predictor of hair cortisol levels.
157 citations
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June 2015 in “Psychoneuroendocrinology” Hair cortisol and cortisone levels increase with age, are higher in diabetics, vary by gender, decrease with frequent hair washing, and are lower in winter.
July 2022 in “Research Square (Research Square)” Hair analysis can somewhat track past testosterone levels but is influenced by factors like hair washing, growth rate, sex, and hair color.
November 2025 in “European Journal of Endocrinology” Hair steroid profiling is a feasible, non-invasive alternative to serum analysis for assessing hormone levels and metabolism.
2 citations
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June 2021 in “Medicine” High levels of cortisol in hair are linked to a greater risk of brain aneurysm rupture.
