Hair Cortisol Assessment

Consistently high circulating cortisol levels over long periods of time can negatively impact wound healing (slow) and cognitive impairments as well as other functions.

A study by Lucia et al. demonstrated an increase in hair cortisol in depressed patients versus healthy controls. (Lucia et al. Stress, 2011 1-6) A study by Karlen et al., concluded that hair cortisol serves as a retrospective biomarker of increased cortisol reflecting exposure to major life stresses in young adults. (Karlén et al. BMC Clinical Pathology 2011, 11:12) Another study from Karen et al. studied expecting mothers’ hair cortisol levels as well their babies. The study concluded that there was a correlation between hair cortisol levels in mothers and their children, suggesting a maternal calibration to the child’s HPA axis. (Karlen et.al Pediatrics. 2013)

Very high or very low cortisol can indicate metabolic disorders and very high cortisol is also an indicator of “Cushing Syndrome“, and very low cortisol is an indicator of “Addison Syndrome”.

Please note that the assay for cortisol is performed using antibodies for cortisol following the hair extraction. As with any antibody cross-reactivity may occur. The principal cross-reactivity with the assay antibody is Prednisolone/Prednisone. The cortisol readings may be elevated if the patient is taking these steroids.

Fee: $120.00* (Included with the test is a 15-minute phone or video appointment to review the findings)

*Tax not included, an extra 13% GST will be added.

How to properly obtain a hair sample:

How to Get Started
Getting started with Hair Mineral Analysis is simple! To begin the process, email zoealexandra@zenergywellness.org for next steps. Once the analysis is complete, we will send you a comprehensive, easy-to-understand report, along with personalized recommendations. At that time, we’ll also schedule an appointment to review your results and discuss options on how to optimize your health moving forward.

As both the Mineral/toxic metal tests and testosterone and cortisol tests utilize a hair sample, you may wish to do them all at the same time rather than submitting separate hair samples.

Points to remember:

The desired hair sample should be from recent hair growth, approximately 1.5" starting from the scalp or nape of the neck.
An adequate amount if hair is required for a sample - it should be enough to loosely cover a 1.5" by 1.5" square.