Issues with fertility are now able to be identified early through a hair test thanks to cutting edge research led by University of Nottingham.
The university worked with scientists across the East Midlands in order to achieve the breakthrough, which also provides an an early warning of overall general health.
The test detects levels of the hormone cortisol that have built up in a sample of hair over the space of several months. It is said to be the equivalent of 200 blood or saliva tests.
Cortisol is a glucocorticoid steroid hormone that is crucial for maintaining overall health including regulating the immune system, brain health, controlling blood pressure and reproductive function.
Dr Adam Massey, researcher at University of Nottingham and CEO of Cortigenix, explained: “With just a few strands of hair, we can now track cortisol levels that have accumulated in hair strands over the previous three months – which is the equivalent of needing over 200 blood or saliva cortisol tests.
"The sample for the test can be done easily from home, without clinical supervision, and the result provides an indication of one’s general health over that three month period."
Researchers say that Cortigenix’s new Cortisol Over Time (COT) test is the first of its kind that detects levels of circulating cortisol built up in the body and brain over three months.
Dr Massey added: "We believe that fundamental to preventative health is to be able to detect health problems as early as possible. This way, we are shifting from treating ill health to preventing it in the first place”.
Professor Kavita Vedhara, from University of Nottingham, said: “This test builds on 30 years of high quality scientific evidence and research into the affect of cortisol on a range of health outcomes. This is the first time we’ve been in a position based on extensive research to provide a validated test to the general public."
