June 2026 in “CUNY Academic Works (City University of New York)” This study developed and validated a method for measuring stress biomarkers in hair during pregnancy, finding that glucocorticoid levels increased over trimesters while endocannabinoid levels remained constant, suggesting hair analysis as a reliable tool for monitoring stress responses in pregnant women.
May 2026 in “Indian Journal of Medical Biochemistry” This review highlights that hair cortisol levels, linked to pregnancy changes and higher in conditions like PCOS, are promising stress biomarkers in female reproductive health, though further research is needed.
April 2025 in “Medical Journal of Babylon” This study found that male patients with alopecia areata had significantly higher levels of copeptin and cortisol compared to healthy controls, suggesting these biomarkers could play a role in the condition's pathophysiology and may serve as diagnostic indicators.
90 citations
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July 2014 in “Conservation Physiology” This study found that hair cortisol concentration in free-ranging brown bears is influenced by handling methods, body condition, and potentially both short- and long-term stressors.
9 citations
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February 2020 in “Stress” This study found that 6-year-old children experienced a significant increase in hair cortisol levels when entering third grade, which was linked to their level of inhibitory control.