A Preliminary Assessment of Steroid Reproductive Hormones in Archaeological Human Hair Using a Modified Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Technique
January 2017
in “
STARS (University of Central Florida)
”
TLDR Steroid hormones can be preserved in ancient hair, revealing insights into past health and fertility.
The study assessed the presence of steroid reproductive hormones in archaeological human hair using a modified ELISA technique. Hair from 10 individuals from the Kellis 2 cemetery in Egypt and 10 modern cadavers was analyzed for cortisol, estradiol, and testosterone. All hormones were successfully identified in both groups, with archaeological preservation proving favorable. While cortisol and estradiol in pre-menopausal females, and testosterone levels were within expected ranges, estradiol levels in males and postmenopausal females exceeded projections. The study concluded that steroid hormones could be preserved in archaeological hair, offering new insights into ancient health and fertility.
