Are Eggs High in Progesterone? Understanding the Hormonal Connection

November 2, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 60 years ago, the FDA banned the use of added hormones in egg and poultry production, yet myths persist about eggs’ hormonal impact. While eggs do contain trace amounts of naturally occurring steroid hormones, they are not considered a high source of dietary progesterone.

Quick Summary

Eggs are not a significant source of dietary progesterone but instead provide important nutrients that support the body's natural hormone synthesis. The focus should be on precursors, not direct hormonal intake.

Key Points

Eggs do not contain high levels of progesterone: The amount of naturally occurring hormones in eggs is negligible and does not directly affect human hormone levels when consumed.
Eggs provide precursors for hormone synthesis: The cholesterol and healthy fats in egg yolks are vital building blocks that your body uses to produce its own steroid hormones, including progesterone.
Nutrients in eggs support hormonal balance: Eggs are rich in B vitamins (like B6) and zinc, which act as cofactors and regulators for hormone production and metabolism.
The "added hormone" myth is debunked: Since the 1950s, the FDA has banned the addition of hormones in U.S. poultry production, ensuring commercial eggs are not treated with artificial hormones.
Lifestyle factors are key for progesterone levels: Managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular exercise are critical for balanced hormone production, often more impactful than specific dietary intake.
A balanced diet promotes hormone health: Instead of focusing on single foods, a diet rich in diverse nutrients from sources like eggs, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens provides comprehensive support for your body's endocrine system.

The Truth About Eggs and Hormones

Many people are curious about the hormonal content of their food, especially with popular items like eggs. The perception that eggs are a direct, potent source of progesterone is largely a misunderstanding. While it is true that eggs contain minute, naturally occurring amounts of steroid hormones, including progesterone, these levels are not significant enough to impact human physiology when consumed. The notion that eggs contain high levels of hormones is often conflated with outdated or incorrect information. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strictly prohibits the use of added hormones in poultry and egg production. The hormones found are simply part of the bird's natural reproductive cycle and metabolism.

The Indirect Role: How Eggs Support Progesterone Production

Instead of being a direct source, eggs play a supporting role in human hormone health by providing essential building blocks for the body's own synthesis processes. The body, primarily the ovaries and adrenal glands, creates its own progesterone from cholesterol and other nutrients. Here's where eggs shine, particularly the yolk:

Cholesterol: Found abundantly in the yolk, cholesterol is the precursor molecule from which all steroid hormones, including progesterone, are synthesized. A cholesterol-rich diet provides the necessary raw material for this process.
B Vitamins: Eggs are a good source of B vitamins like B6 and B12. Vitamin B6, in particular, plays a crucial role as a cofactor in regulating hormone levels and supporting the liver in metabolizing excess hormones.
Zinc: An essential mineral, zinc stimulates the pituitary gland to release follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH), which in turn signals the ovaries to produce progesterone. Eggs contain a moderate amount of this important trace mineral.

Comparing Eggs with Other Progesterone-Supporting Foods

To provide context, here is a comparison of eggs with other foods that support natural progesterone production by supplying key nutrients.


Food Item	Primary Progesterone-Supporting Nutrient	Example Nutrients Provided	Additional Benefits
Eggs (with yolk)	Cholesterol (precursor)	B6, B12, Zinc, Choline, Protein	Complete protein source, brain health support
Fatty Fish (Salmon, Sardines)	Healthy Fats (Omega-3)	Magnesium, Protein, Vitamin B6	Anti-inflammatory, heart health
Nuts & Seeds (Pumpkin, Sunflower)	Healthy Fats, Zinc, Magnesium	Fiber, Vitamin E	Hormone regulation, rich in antioxidants
Avocados	Healthy Fats	Magnesium, Potassium, Fiber	Rich in monounsaturated fats, supports hormonal balance
Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale)	Magnesium, B Vitamins	Iron, Antioxidants, Fiber	Supports endocrine system, reduces inflammation
Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Lemons)	Vitamin C	Antioxidants, Fiber	Supports hormone production and absorption

The Misconception of Hormonal Acne from Eggs

Some online sources and anecdotal claims link egg consumption to hormonal acne, citing the trace amounts of progesterone. However, the scientific evidence for this connection is not robust and is often contradicted. Many nutrition experts and fertility specialists actually recommend eggs as a beneficial food for hormonal balance due to their rich nutrient profile. One theory suggests that if a hormonal imbalance is present, increased intake of any nutrient that supports hormone synthesis could theoretically aggravate a pre-existing condition, but this is different from the food itself causing the imbalance. For most people, a healthy, balanced diet including eggs is unlikely to cause hormonal issues.

Lifestyle Factors Influencing Progesterone

Diet is just one component of managing hormonal health. Progesterone levels are also heavily influenced by lifestyle factors. For example, chronic stress can negatively impact progesterone levels, as the body may prioritize producing cortisol (a stress hormone) over progesterone. Moderate, regular exercise is also important, as excessive or high-intensity training can have a detrimental effect on hormonal balance. Maintaining a healthy body weight is crucial, as excess body fat can disrupt the balance between progesterone and estrogen. A holistic approach that includes a nutritious diet, stress management, exercise, and adequate sleep is the most effective strategy for supporting your body's hormonal equilibrium. Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your hormonal health.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Eggs and Progesterone

Ultimately, the idea that eggs are high in progesterone is a myth. While they contain minute amounts of naturally occurring hormones, this is not their primary mechanism of action in the human body. Instead, eggs, particularly the yolk, are a nutritional powerhouse providing essential precursors like cholesterol, as well as cofactors like B vitamins and zinc, that help support your body's natural production of hormones, including progesterone. They are an excellent dietary component for promoting overall hormonal health when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

For more information on the critical role of progesterone in the body, especially during pregnancy, a detailed article by the Cleveland Clinic can be helpful: Low Progesterone: Causes, Symptoms, Tests & Treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eggs contain only trace amounts of naturally occurring steroid hormones, including progesterone, which are part of the bird's biology. These levels are not significant enough to be considered a dietary source of progesterone for humans.

Eating eggs will not directly raise your progesterone levels. However, the nutrients in eggs, such as cholesterol, B vitamins, and zinc, provide the raw materials and support needed for your body to produce its own progesterone naturally.

No, the minuscule amounts of natural hormones in eggs are not harmful. Claims that they cause issues like hormonal acne are not well-supported by science, and many experts view eggs as beneficial for hormone balance due to their nutrient content.

In the U.S., there is no difference, as the use of added hormones is banned for all poultry, regardless of whether it's organic or conventional. Organic eggs, however, come from hens that are not given antibiotics and are fed organic feed.

The yolk is particularly important, as it contains cholesterol, the precursor for steroid hormones like progesterone. The whole egg provides a complete protein and key vitamins and minerals that support the endocrine system.

Foods that help balance hormones include healthy fats from avocados and fatty fish, zinc from nuts and seeds, and vitamins from leafy greens and fruits like berries and citrus.

For most people, no. Eggs provide a healthy balance of fats and protein and are a source of nutrients that can support overall hormonal health. If you have specific concerns, it's best to consult a healthcare professional.