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,
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.