Scientists discover new cortisol measurement technique

A team of scientists based in The Netherlands has discovered a new technique that could help to measure the level of cortisol people have been exposed to.

Based at Eramus MC, Dr Laura Manenschijn and her team conducted the research, which may contribute to revealing cortisol's role in certain illnesses.

Explaining that this stress hormone is associated with various conditions, such as depression, diabetes and heart disease, the European Society of Endocrinology reveals that hair could be the key to uncovering cortisol's effects.

Dr Manenschijn and her colleagues analysed hair samples from 11 Cushing's patients, three people suffering from Addison's and 195 healthy subjects.

They discovered that hair could be used to track people's levels of cortisol over time, as well as the amount currently present.

"Our results are very exciting as they show that measuring the amount of cortisol in hair can potentially be used to monitor a person’s long-term exposure to cortisol," commented Dr Manenschijn.

The findings were announced at the European Congress of Endocrinology, which is taking place until May 4th in Rotterdam - the 13th time the event has been held in the city.