Trends in Hair Cortisol from Preconception to the Postpartum Period
December 2021
in “
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
”
New to Hydrocortisone? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → Studysummary This study observed that hair cortisol levels increased during pregnancy and positively correlated with certain systemic cytokines postpartum, suggesting potential associations with perinatal outcomes. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The study measured hair cortisol concentrations in 96 women from 6 months preconception to 6 months postpartum, finding that cortisol levels peaked in the third trimester and declined postpartum. No significant correlations were found between hair cortisol levels and perceived stress or sleep duration, but positive correlations were observed between hair cortisol and certain systemic cytokines (GM-CSF, IFN-G, IL-8, IL-10) at 1-2 months postpartum. The study suggests that hair sampling is an effective method for assessing chronic stress and highlights the need for further research on the relationship between hair cortisol and perinatal outcomes.
