501 citations
,
October 2008 in “Psychoneuroendocrinology” Hair cortisol levels can show increased stress during late pregnancy but only for up to six months.
122 citations
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October 2013 in “PEDIATRICS” Maternal stress during pregnancy affects a child's stress levels.
80 citations
,
January 2011 in “Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM)” Hair cortisol levels can reflect salivary cortisol levels in humans.
70 citations
,
March 2010 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” Blocking a specific enzyme might help treat obesity and diabetes, but more research is needed to ensure it's safe.
50 citations
,
February 2021 in “Physiology & behavior” People with depression often have higher hair cortisol levels, while those with PTSD tend to have lower levels, but more research is needed to understand this fully.