Do Eggs Increase Estrogen or Testosterone? The Hormonal Impact Explained

December 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Several studies indicate that eggs, especially the yolk, contain key nutrients that support testosterone production. This article clarifies the common questions: do eggs increase estrogen or testosterone, and examines their different effects on hormonal health.

Quick Summary

Eggs contain nutrients like vitamin D, selenium, and healthy fats that support testosterone production, particularly when the whole egg is consumed. They are not a significant source of dietary estrogen, making them generally beneficial for overall hormonal health.

Key Points

Testosterone Support: Whole eggs, particularly the yolks, provide nutrients like vitamin D and selenium that can help support and potentially increase testosterone production.
Minimal Estrogen Impact: Eggs are not a significant source of dietary estrogen and contain only trace amounts of natural hormones that are unlikely to affect the body's hormonal balance.
Nutrient-Rich Source: The healthy fats, high-quality protein, and vitamins in eggs are essential building blocks for the entire endocrine system, contributing to overall hormonal balance.
Whole Egg Advantage: Studies have shown that consuming whole eggs, not just egg whites, leads to more favorable hormonal and body composition effects in trained individuals.
Indirect Estrogen Link: The association between eggs and elevated estrogen levels is more complex and often tied to high-fat 'Western' diets and subsequent body fat increases, where estrogen synthesis occurs.
Hormonal Regulation: Beyond sex hormones, eggs can help regulate other hormones like insulin and ghrelin, which can aid in weight management and further support overall endocrine health.

The Nutritional Profile of Eggs and Hormone Production

Eggs are a powerhouse of nutrition, containing a rich blend of protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats essential for overall health. This includes several nutrients critical for the body's endocrine system, which regulates hormone production. Key components include high-quality protein, vitamin D, selenium, and cholesterol. While cholesterol has often been given a negative reputation, it serves as a fundamental building block for many hormones, including both testosterone and estrogen. Understanding this nutritional profile is the first step toward clarifying the relationship between eggs and sex hormones.

Eggs and Testosterone: The Evidence

The bulk of scientific evidence suggests that eggs have a positive, supportive relationship with testosterone production. This is primarily linked to the nutrient-rich egg yolk, rather than the egg white alone.

Whole Eggs vs. Egg Whites: A 2021 study demonstrated that young men consuming three whole eggs after resistance training saw a significantly higher increase in testosterone levels compared to those consuming an equivalent amount of protein from egg whites. This highlights the importance of the yolk's unique nutritional composition.
Vitamin D: Egg yolks are one of the few natural food sources of vitamin D, a steroid hormone precursor. Lower vitamin D levels are correlated with lower testosterone levels, so consuming vitamin D-rich foods like eggs can help maintain optimal levels, especially in those who are deficient.
Selenium: A 2019 review noted that the mineral selenium, found in eggs, may help enhance testosterone production through certain pathways and gene expression.
Healthy Fats and Cholesterol: The cholesterol and healthy fats in egg yolks are precursors for the body's steroid hormones. In moderate, controlled amounts, this dietary intake can support the body's endocrine function without negatively impacting cholesterol levels in most healthy individuals.

Eggs and Estrogen: What the Science Says

Concerns about eggs increasing estrogen are often based on misunderstandings. While eggs do contain minute, natural amounts of hormones, they are not a significant dietary source of estrogen.

Minimal Estrogen Content: Eggs contain trace amounts of natural hormones and are not a significant source of phytoestrogens (plant-based estrogens). The levels are too low to influence the body's hormone balance in any meaningful way.
The Cholesterol Connection: The idea that eggs significantly raise estrogen often stems from the observation that a high-cholesterol Western diet, which can include red meat and eggs, is sometimes associated with higher estrogen levels. This association, however, is more complex. High-cholesterol diets lead to increased body fat, and fat tissue (adipose tissue) is where the conversion of androgens to estrogen (via the aromatase enzyme) primarily occurs. Therefore, it is the overall dietary pattern and body composition, not eggs in isolation, that primarily influences estrogen levels in this context.
Broccoli and Estrogen: Interestingly, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli contain a compound called indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which can help balance estrogen levels by supporting liver detoxification.

Comparison Table: Eggs and Sex Hormones


Feature	Effect on Testosterone	Effect on Estrogen
Mechanism	Provides building block nutrients (Vitamin D, selenium, cholesterol) for synthesis.	Contains minimal amounts of natural hormones. Its influence is mostly indirect, linked to overall dietary patterns.
Nutrients Involved	Vitamin D, Selenium, Zinc, Cholesterol, Protein.	Cholesterol (as a precursor), though overall dietary context is more relevant.
Associated Evidence	Studies show increased testosterone in whole egg groups vs. egg white groups.	No direct evidence of significant increase from egg consumption alone.
General Consensus	Supportive of healthy testosterone levels, especially whole eggs.	Does not significantly increase estrogen levels in a meaningful way for most people.

The Role of Eggs in Overall Hormonal Balance

Beyond testosterone and estrogen, eggs contribute to wider hormonal balance through several mechanisms.

Insulin and Ghrelin: Eggs can positively impact insulin and ghrelin, the appetite-regulating hormone. A high-protein breakfast with eggs leads to lower levels of ghrelin, helping to keep you full longer and potentially aiding weight management. Obesity is linked with hormone imbalances, so this effect is beneficial.
Protein and Amino Acids: The complete protein in eggs is necessary for the production of all hormones. Proteins are involved in building and repairing tissues, which is fundamental to a functioning endocrine system.
Stress Hormones: Eggs contain vitamins B5 and B6, which are involved in regulating sex hormones and fighting stress. Managing stress is crucial for hormonal health, as high cortisol can interfere with sex hormone production.

What This Means for Your Diet

For most healthy individuals, including whole eggs in your diet is a safe and effective way to support overall hormonal health. The key is balance and moderation within a varied, nutrient-dense diet. For men looking to support testosterone levels, opting for whole eggs is more beneficial than just egg whites. For those concerned about estrogen, focusing on an overall healthy diet rich in vegetables like broccoli can help, rather than singling out eggs. If you have specific medical conditions or concerns about your hormone levels, consulting a healthcare provider or registered dietitian is always recommended. This resource on testosterone-boosting foods offers additional context on how a balanced diet affects hormone levels: 13 Foods to Boost Testosterone Naturally - Verywell Health.

Conclusion

In summary, eggs do not significantly increase estrogen levels for most healthy people. The trace amounts of natural hormones and cholesterol are not sufficient to cause hormonal imbalance. On the contrary, eggs, particularly the yolk, provide a wealth of nutrients like vitamin D, selenium, and healthy fats that support and may even increase testosterone production. For optimal hormonal health, a balanced diet that includes whole eggs is beneficial, providing the building blocks necessary for a well-regulated endocrine system.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, eating eggs is highly unlikely to cause a significant estrogen imbalance. Eggs contain only minimal, natural amounts of hormones, and the body's own hormone regulation processes are far more impactful. Concerns often arise from misconceptions about dietary cholesterol.

Whole eggs are better for hormone production. The yolk contains healthy fats, cholesterol, and vitamins like D and selenium, all of which are crucial precursors and co-factors for hormone synthesis, including testosterone.

There is no definitive number, as hormonal health is complex. However, studies show that consuming a moderate number of whole eggs (e.g., three per day) in the context of a balanced diet can positively impact testosterone levels without causing harm to healthy individuals. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Yes, pasture-raised eggs can be beneficial. They typically contain fewer added antibiotics and hormones and often have a better nutrient profile due to the hens' healthier diet, which can support overall hormonal health.

Yes, eggs can support testosterone production in both men and women. Testosterone is important for both genders, and the nutrients found in whole eggs provide the necessary building blocks for its synthesis.

Not necessarily. It's more important to look at your overall diet and lifestyle. Eggs themselves are not a significant source of estrogen. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fiber and vegetables while reducing highly processed foods.

Yes, eggs can influence other hormones. The protein and fats in eggs can regulate hunger hormones like insulin and ghrelin, which can help control appetite and support weight management.