Within-Person Changes of Cortisol, Dehydroepiandrosterone, Testosterone, Estradiol, and Progesterone in Hair Across Pregnancy, with Comparison to a Non-Pregnant Reference Group

    December 2020 in “ Comprehensive psychoneuroendocrinology ”
    Kristine Marceau, Emily Rolan, Olivia C. Robertson, Wen Wang, Elizabeth A. Shirtcliff
    TLDR Hormone levels in hair change during pregnancy, with progesterone increasing significantly compared to non-pregnant women.
    The study investigated changes in cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone in hair across pregnancy, comparing pregnant women to a non-pregnant control group. It found that progesterone levels significantly increased in pregnant women, while DHEA levels decreased early in pregnancy. There was suggestive evidence of increases in cortisol and estradiol during pregnancy, but these changes were not significantly different from those in non-pregnant women. Testosterone levels showed little change. The study highlighted substantial individual variability in hormone changes and emphasized the importance of considering within-person trajectories and non-linear patterns in future research. Hair was noted as a useful biospecimen for capturing cumulative hormone levels over time, despite limitations such as small sample size and batch effects.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    2 / 2 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 166 results

      community Please take a vitamin & hormone test

      in Chat  255 upvotes 8 months ago
      Checking vitamin and hormone levels is important for addressing hair loss, as deficiencies in vitamin D, zinc, and iron can affect hair growth. Treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and vitamin supplements are used, but addressing deficiencies is crucial for effectiveness.
      Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

      community Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

      in Research  865 upvotes 9 months ago
      The treatment for androgenetic alopecia involves using finasteride and minoxidil with intense exercise and cold exposure to boost metabolism and reduce androgenic effects, potentially leading to hair regrowth. This approach may activate biological pathways for improved hair and overall health.

      community Low cortisol it is due the fin

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  7 upvotes 3 weeks ago
      The user has been taking 1mg finasteride daily for a year with no improvement in hair loss and reports low cortisol levels, sleep issues, and anxiety changes. The conversation includes discussions on the potential effects of finasteride on cortisol and neurosteroids, with suggestions to consult a doctor and consider other factors.

      community Female AGA - Low Cortisol/Low DHEA

      in Female  6 upvotes 2 years ago
      Female (37) experiencing hair loss for 5 years, tried max dose of spiro and oral + topical minox without success. Discovered low cortisol and low DHEA levels, seeking functional medicine practitioner for help.

      community How to reduce cortisol (stress hormone) naturally?

      in Chat  36 upvotes 3 years ago
      The conversation discusses natural ways to reduce cortisol, such as avoiding caffeine, getting proper sleep, syncing with the sun, walking in nature, breathing exercises, increasing calories, and not doing keto. Magnesium supplements are recommended for stress reduction.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results