Hair Cortisone Levels and the Metabolic Syndrome: Stronger Links in Younger Compared to Older Adults
Authors' conclusion
Long-term biological stress, measured through hair glucocorticoid levels, is associated with MetS presence, especially among younger individuals. Prospective studies need to evaluate the extent to which hair cortisol and cortisone add to standard risk factors when predicting future cardiometabolic diseases.
Study context
- Population
- Participants of the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (73.4% women)73.4% women
- Participants
- 1,405 participants
- Exposure
- Higher vs lower hair cortisol and cortisone levels
- Outcome
- MetS presence
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
| Group | OR |
|---|---|
| Hair cortisol | 1.27 (95% CI 1.11-1.44) |
| Hair cortisone | 1.32 (95% CI 1.14-1.52) |
OR
Hair cortisol1.27 (95% CI 1.11-1.44)
Hair cortisone1.32 (95% CI 1.14-1.52)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Number of metabolic syndrome (MetS) components, waist circumference and TG levels
- Hair glucocorticoid levels positively associated with number of MetS components, waist circumference and TG levels
Diastolic blood pressure and HDL-C
- Hair cortisol, but not cortisone, in trend associated with diastolic blood pressure and HDL-C levels
Blood glucose
- No associations with blood glucose
Hair cortisone and MetS, by age
- OR in younger participants
- 1.95 (95% CI 1.50-2.54)
- OR in older participants
- 1.14 (95% CI .96-1.35)
- Relationship stronger among younger vs older individuals
Original publication
Hair Cortisone Levels and the Metabolic Syndrome: Stronger Links in Younger Compared to Older Adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Published 3 June 2025. doi:10.
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