Time-course changes in fingernail cortisol levels during pregnancy and postpartum
Shuhei Izawa1, Mikiko Kawasaki2,3, Nagisa Sugaya4
1Occupational Stress and Health Management Research Group, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Kawasaki, Japan. izawa@h.jniosh.johas.go.jp.
Scientific Reports
|January 11, 2024
Summary
Fingernail cortisol levels track long-term body hormone changes, increasing after childbirth and peaking postpartum. This study supports fingernail cortisol as a retrospective index of hormone production.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Biomarker Research
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Cortisol in fingernails offers a retrospective measure of cumulative hormone production.
- Previous research focused on cross-sectional associations, lacking longitudinal data.
- Pregnancy presents a unique model for studying prolonged hormonal changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal changes in fingernail cortisol levels during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
- To assess the correlation between fingernail cortisol and expected physiological changes in cortisol.
- To compare fingernail cortisol levels between first-time mothers (primiparas) and mothers with multiple children (multiparas).
Main Methods:
- Collection of nail samples from 30 healthy women during pregnancy and up to 12 months postpartum.
- Measurement of cortisol levels in fingernail clippings.
- Analysis of longitudinal changes and comparison between participant groups.
Main Results:
- Fingernail cortisol levels demonstrated a significant increase from one month pre-childbirth to four months postpartum.
- Cortisol levels in fingernail clippings peaked approximately two months postpartum.
- Higher fingernail cortisol levels were observed in primiparas compared to multiparas.
Conclusions:
- The temporal pattern of fingernail cortisol levels effectively mirrors longitudinal changes in the body's cortisol production.
- Observed differences in fingernail cortisol between primiparas and multiparas suggest biological plausibility.
- Fingernail cortisol serves as a viable retrospective biomarker for assessing long-term hormone production.
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