Biomarkers - Hormones (Hair)
Hormones (Hair)
This section documents steroid hormones measured in hair, reflecting longer-term glucocorticoid, adrenal, and sex-hormone exposure.
Hormones (Hair) Biomarkers
Click each heading to expand details of this biomarker.
Overview
What is it? Cortisol is a glucocorticoid steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex and regulated through the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. It plays an important role in the physiological response to stress and contributes to the regulation of metabolism, immune function and circadian processes. Cortisol measured in hair provides an estimate of cumulative cortisol exposure over an extended period rather than concentrations at a single point in time.
Research relevance: Can be used to investigate longer-term HPA-axis activity and physiological stress exposure. In ageing research, hair cortisol can be examined in relation to chronic stress, cognitive and physical function, psychosocial factors and other age-related health outcomes.
Sample type: Hair
Sample Collection / Handling
Hair was collected from the posterior vertex by a trained nurse. A 3 cm sample was cut as close to the scalp as possible, with the scalp end identified using a plastic tie. Samples were stored in envelopes in a dark, dry place until shipment for analysis. Only samples weighing at least 7.5 mg were included. The 3 cm segment was considered to represent approximately the preceding 3 months, assuming an average hair growth rate of approximately 1 cm per month.
Assay / Measurement
Method: Steroid analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), following hair washing and extraction procedures described by Gao et al. (2013).
Measurement Characteristics
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Units | pg/mg |
| Measurement range | 0.04 – 29960.00 pg/mg |
| Lower detection limit | 0.04 pg/mg |
| Assay CoV | 0.15 |
Collection Waves
| Biomarker | Wave 1 | Wave 2 | Wave 3 | Wave 4 | Wave 5 | Wave 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cortisol | X |
Reference
- Stalder, T. and Kirschbaum, C. (2012) ‘Analysis of cortisol in hair – state of the art and future directions’, Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 26(7), pp. 1019–1029. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2012.02.002.
Example TILDA Papers
- Feeney J, O’Halloran AM, Kenny RA., The association between hair cortisol, hair cortisone and cognitive function in a population based cohort of older adults: Results from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2020 Jan 20;75(2):257-265. doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/gly258.
Other References
- Gao W, Stalder T, Foley P, Rauh M, Deng H, Kirschbaum C. Quantitative analysis of steroid hormones in human hair using a column-switching LC-APCI-MS/MS assay. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2013; 928:1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jchromb.2013.03.008
- Wennig R. Potential problems with the interpretation of hair analysis results. Forensic Sci Int. 2000;107:5–12.
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jchromb.2013.03.00810.1016/S0379-0738(99)00146-2
Overview
What is it? Cortisone is an inactive glucocorticoid metabolite that is closely related to cortisol. Cortisol is converted to cortisone by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), while cortisone can be converted back to active cortisol by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1). Measurement in hair provides an estimate of longer-term glucocorticoid exposure.
Research relevance: Can be used to investigate longer-term glucocorticoid exposure and cortisol–cortisone metabolism. In ageing research, hair cortisone can be examined alongside hair cortisol in relation to chronic stress, HPA-axis activity, metabolic health, cognitive and physical function and other age-related outcomes.
Sample type: Hair
Sample Collection / Handling
Hair was collected from the posterior vertex by a trained nurse. A 3 cm sample was cut as close to the scalp as possible, with the scalp end identified using a plastic tie. Samples were stored in envelopes in a dark, dry place until shipment for analysis. Only samples weighing at least 7.5 mg were included. The 3 cm segment was considered to represent approximately the preceding 3 months, assuming an average hair growth rate of approximately 1 cm per month.
Assay / Measurement
Method: Steroid analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), following hair washing and extraction procedures described by Gao et al. (2013).
Measurement Characteristics
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Units | pg/mg |
| Measurement range | 0.31 – 402.75 pg/mg |
| Lower detection limit | 0.31 pg/mg |
| Assay CoV | 0.15 |
Collection Waves
| Biomarker | Wave 1 | Wave 2 | Wave 3 | Wave 4 | Wave 5 | Wave 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cortisone | X |
Reference
- Stalder, T., Steudte-Schmiedgen, S., Alexander, N., Klucken, T., Vater, A., Wichmann, S., Kirschbaum, C. and Miller, R. (2017) ‘Stress-related and basic determinants of hair cortisol in humans: a meta-analysis’, Psychoneuroendocrinology, 77, pp. 261–274. doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.12.017.
Example TILDA Papers
- Feeney J, O’Halloran AM, Kenny RA., The association between hair cortisol, hair cortisone and cognitive function in a population based cohort of older adults: Results from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2020 Jan 20;75(2):257-265. doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/gly258.
Other References
- Gao W, Stalder T, Foley P, Rauh M, Deng H, Kirschbaum C. Quantitative analysis of steroid hormones in human hair using a column-switching LC-APCI-MS/MS assay. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2013; 928:1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jchromb.2013.03.008
- Wennig R. Potential problems with the interpretation of hair analysis results. Forensic Sci Int. 2000;107:5–12.
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jchromb.2013.03.00810.1016/S0379-0738(99)00146-2
Overview
What is it? Testosterone is a steroid sex hormone and the principal androgen. It is produced predominantly by the gonads, with smaller contributions from the adrenal glands and peripheral conversion of androgen precursors. Testosterone has roles in reproductive function, bone and muscle maintenance, body composition and other physiological processes. Measurement in hair can provide an estimate of longer-term testosterone exposure.
Research relevance: Can be used to investigate longer-term androgen exposure and endocrine function. In ageing research, hair testosterone can be examined in relation to age-related hormonal changes, muscle mass and strength, sarcopenia, bone health, physical function and other health outcomes.
Sample type: Hair
Sample Collection / Handling
Hair was collected from the posterior vertex by a trained nurse. A 3 cm sample was cut as close to the scalp as possible, with the scalp end identified using a plastic tie. Samples were stored in envelopes in a dark, dry place until shipment for analysis. Only samples weighing at least 7.5 mg were included. The 3 cm segment was considered to represent approximately the preceding 3 months, assuming an average hair growth rate of approximately 1 cm per month.
Assay / Measurement
Method: Steroid analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), following hair washing and extraction procedures described by Gao et al. (2013).
Measurement Characteristics
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Units | pg/mg |
| Measurement range | 0.02 – 37923.53 pg/mg |
| Lower detection limit | 0.02 pg/mg |
| Assay CoV | 0.15 |
Collection Waves
| Biomarker | Wave 1 | Wave 2 | Wave 3 | Wave 4 | Wave 5 | Wave 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Testosterone | X |
Reference
- Bhasin, S., Brito, J.P., Cunningham, G.R., Hayes, F.J., Hodis, H.N., Matsumoto, A.M., Snyder, P.J., Swerdloff, R.S., Wu, F.C. and Yialamas, M.A. (2018) ‘Testosterone therapy in men with hypogonadism: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline’, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 103(5), pp. 1715–1744. doi:10.1210/jc.2018-00229.
Example TILDA Papers
- Feeney J, O’Halloran AM, Kenny RA., The association between hair cortisol, hair cortisone and cognitive function in a population based cohort of older adults: Results from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2020 Jan 20;75(2):257-265. doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/gly258.
Other References
- Gao W, Stalder T, Foley P, Rauh M, Deng H, Kirschbaum C. Quantitative analysis of steroid hormones in human hair using a column-switching LC-APCI-MS/MS assay. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2013; 928:1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jchromb.2013.03.008
- Wennig R. Potential problems with the interpretation of hair analysis results. Forensic Sci Int. 2000;107:5–12.
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jchromb.2013.03.00810.1016/S0379-0738(99)00146-2
Overview
What is it? Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands, with smaller amounts produced by the gonads and other tissues. It acts as a precursor for the synthesis of androgen and oestrogen sex hormones. DHEA concentrations generally decline substantially with advancing age.
Research relevance: Can be used to investigate adrenal steroid production and age-related endocrine changes. In ageing research, hair DHEA can be examined in relation to hormonal ageing, physical and musculoskeletal function, body composition, cardiovascular health and other age-related outcomes.
Sample type: Hair
Sample Collection / Handling
Hair was collected from the posterior vertex by a trained nurse. A 3 cm sample was cut as close to the scalp as possible, with the scalp end identified using a plastic tie. Samples were stored in envelopes in a dark, dry place until shipment for analysis. Only samples weighing at least 7.5 mg were included. The 3 cm segment was considered to represent approximately the preceding 3 months, assuming an average hair growth rate of approximately 1 cm per month.
Assay / Measurement
Method: Steroid analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), following hair washing and extraction procedures described by Gao et al. (2013).
Measurement Characteristics
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Units | pg/mg |
| Measurement range | 0.92 – 592.94 pg/mg |
| Lower detection limit | 0.92 pg/mg |
| Assay CoV | 0.15 |
Collection Waves
| Biomarker | Wave 1 | Wave 2 | Wave 3 | Wave 4 | Wave 5 | Wave 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dehydroepiandrosterone | X |
Reference
- Samaras, N., Samaras, D., Frangos, E., Forster, A. and Philippe, J. (2013) ‘A review of age-related dehydroepiandrosterone decline and its association with well-known geriatric syndromes: is treatment beneficial?’, Rejuvenation Research, 16(4), pp. 285–294. doi:10.1089/rej.2013.1425.
Example TILDA Papers
- Feeney J, O’Halloran AM, Kenny RA., The association between hair cortisol, hair cortisone and cognitive function in a population based cohort of older adults: Results from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2020 Jan 20;75(2):257-265. doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/gly258.
Other References
- Gao W, Stalder T, Foley P, Rauh M, Deng H, Kirschbaum C. Quantitative analysis of steroid hormones in human hair using a column-switching LC-APCI-MS/MS assay. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2013; 928:1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jchromb.2013.03.008
- Wennig R. Potential problems with the interpretation of hair analysis results. Forensic Sci Int. 2000;107:5–12.
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jchromb.2013.03.00810.1016/S0379-0738(99)00146-2
Overview
What is it? Progesterone is a steroid sex hormone involved in reproductive function. In premenopausal women, it is produced predominantly by the corpus luteum following ovulation and plays an important role in regulating the menstrual cycle and preparing and maintaining the endometrium for pregnancy. Progesterone concentrations change substantially across the life course and decline following menopause.
Research relevance: Can be used to investigate longer-term progesterone exposure and reproductive endocrine function. In ageing research, hair progesterone can be examined in relation to reproductive ageing, menopausal status, hormonal changes and their associations with physical and other health outcomes.
Sample type: Hair
Sample Collection / Handling
Hair was collected from the posterior vertex by a trained nurse. A 3 cm sample was cut as close to the scalp as possible, with the scalp end identified using a plastic tie. Samples were stored in envelopes in a dark, dry place until shipment for analysis. Only samples weighing at least 7.5 mg were included. The 3 cm segment was considered to represent approximately the preceding 3 months, assuming an average hair growth rate of approximately 1 cm per month.
Assay / Measurement
Method: Steroid analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), following hair washing and extraction procedures described by Gao et al. (2013).
Measurement Characteristics
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Units | pg/mg |
| Measurement range | 0.20 – 1620. pg/mg |
| Lower detection limit | 0.20 pg/mg |
| Assay CoV | 0.15 |
Collection Waves
| Biomarker | Wave 1 | Wave 2 | Wave 3 | Wave 4 | Wave 5 | Wave 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progesterone | X |
Reference
- Cable, J.K. and Grider, M.H. (2023) ‘Physiology, progesterone’, StatPearls. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558960/ (Accessed: 31 August 2026).
Example TILDA Papers
- Feeney J, O’Halloran AM, Kenny RA., The association between hair cortisol, hair cortisone and cognitive function in a population based cohort of older adults: Results from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2020 Jan 20;75(2):257-265. doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/gly258.
Other References
- Gao W, Stalder T, Foley P, Rauh M, Deng H, Kirschbaum C. Quantitative analysis of steroid hormones in human hair using a column-switching LC-APCI-MS/MS assay. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2013; 928:1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jchromb.2013.03.008
- Wennig R. Potential problems with the interpretation of hair analysis results. Forensic Sci Int. 2000;107:5–12.
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jchromb.2013.03.00810.1016/S0379-0738(99)00146-2