How is Cortisol Measured in Epidemiological Studies?
In epidemiological studies, cortisol levels can be measured using various biological samples, such as blood, saliva, urine, and hair. Saliva samples are commonly used because they are non-invasive and easy to collect. Blood samples provide precise measurements but require more invasive procedures. Urine samples can give an indication of cortisol production over a longer period, and hair samples can provide a long-term assessment of cortisol exposure.