Association Between Hair Cortisol, Dehydroepiandrosterone and Perceived Stress in Chronic Stress-related Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hair concentrations of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are increasingly recognized as non-invasive, retrospective biomarkers of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function. The ratio of these hormones may reflect the balance between catabolic and anabolic activity, potentially serving as a composite marker of chronic stress. Despite its theoretical relevance, the clinical utility of the hair cortisol: DHEA ratio remains unclear. This PROSPERO-registered systematic review, done according to PRISMA guidelines, aimed to evaluate the association between the hair cortisol: DHEA ratio and perceived stress in adults with chronic stress exposure.

Methods

A comprehensive search of five electronic databases and grey literature was conducted up to March 5, 2025.

SUBMITTER: Huchegowda R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12446278 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature