TLDR Testosterone increases hair testosterone levels, stress raises hair cortisol, and relationship status affects hormone levels.
The study on 88 healthy adult men explored the impact of a single 150 mg transdermal testosterone dose and acute stress on hair hormone levels. It revealed that testosterone administration significantly increased hair testosterone levels after 7 weeks, while stress induction elevated hair cortisol levels, indicating that hair analysis can detect hormonal changes from single events. Additionally, men in committed relationships had lower hair cortisol and testosterone levels, suggesting personal factors like relationship status influence hormone concentrations. The study underscores the importance of considering brief stressors and personal context in interpreting hair hormone data and calls for further research, including female participants, to better understand these dynamics.
2 citations,
December 2021 in “Scientific reports” Scalp hair sweating is a significant predictor of hair cortisol levels.
3 citations,
November 2021 in “Stress” Girls had higher stress hormone levels during school due to social and emotional issues, while boys had higher overall hormone levels with slight changes when school started.
54 citations,
February 1993 in “Endocrine reviews” Androgen conjugates might be better indicators of skin sensitivity to hormones in women with excessive hair growth.
59 citations,
August 2004 in “Human Reproduction Update” Testosterone replacement can help women with low libido and mood, but they need to have enough estrogen first to avoid side effects.
April 2006 in “Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes” Testosterone therapy can help improve sexual function, mood, and bone density in women with low androgen levels, but more research is needed on long-term safety.
October 2007 in “Postgraduate obstetrics & gynecology” Testosterone therapy can help with androgen deficiency in women but should be used with caution and monitoring due to potential risks.
October 2007 in “Postgraduate obstetrics & gynecology” Testosterone therapy can help postmenopausal women with low sexual desire but needs more safety research and should be used with estrogen therapy.
