(368) Cortisol Profiles of Postpartum Women

To describe trends in hair cortisol levels among postpartum women and to examine the relationship between hair cortisol levels and demographic characteristics.

Study Design:

Hair samples were collected at 1–2 months (PP1), 3–4 months (PP2), and 5–6 months (PP3) postpartum. Hair samples from the postpartum were used and segmented into a total of 8 segments representing PP3 (3rd postpartum segment), PP2 (2nd postpartum segment), PP1 (1st postpartum segment), and 5 additional segments encompassing prenatal and preconception phases based on visit dates, delivery date and gestational age. This analysis describes cortisol levels from PP1 to PP3. Frequencies and chi-squares were calculated for categorical variables, while median and interquartile range (IQR) were calculated for continuous variables. Continuous variables were also assessed using non-parametric significance tests (i.e., Kruskal-Wallis) to determine the relationship with postpartum hair cortisol. All relationships were examined cross-sectionally.

Results: The analysis included 96 women. Median hair cortisol levels decreased from PP1 to PP2 but subsequently increased in PP3.  These changes were not statistically significant. Significant differences were noted in median cortisol levels by race with Black/African American postpartum women experiencing significantly higher levels at all timepoints. Significantly higher median cortisol levels were also observed at PP1 and PP2 for mothers who reported their relationship status as single. Other demographic characteristics assessed (ethnicity, education, and median age) were not associated with differences in median cortisol levels in this sample.

Conclusion: Black/African women and women who are unmarried have significantly higher median hair cortisol levels in the postpartum period. Cortisol is a biological marker of acute and chronic stress and increased levels are indicative of higher physiological burdens of stress.