Hair Cortisol/Cortisone in Combined Oral Contraceptive Users: An Exploratory Analysis

November 2025 in “ Contraception ”

Daniela Seany Dorfling, Gerda Venter, Elardus Erasmus

cortisol cortisone combined oral contraceptives glucocorticoids hair treatments COCs

TLDR COC use doesn't increase hair stress hormone levels, but hair treatments may affect results.

This study investigated the relationship between combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and chronic biological stress, measured by hair cortisol and cortisone levels, in 48 White South African women (24 COC users and 24 non-users). The findings revealed no significant differences in glucocorticoid levels between the groups. However, when excluding women with hair treatments, a modest increase in glucocorticoids was observed among COC users, influenced by BMI and body fat. The study concluded that COC use is not linked to higher hair glucocorticoid levels, but hair treatments may impact detection. Further research with larger samples and consideration of hair treatments is advised.

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