Do Peas Have Hormones? A Look at Phytohormones and Your Health

December 3, 2025 •

4 min read

While peas do not contain human hormones, they do naturally produce phytohormones to regulate their own growth and development. Understanding this distinction is key to answering the question, 'Do peas have hormones?' and appreciating their role in our diet.

Quick Summary

Peas contain plant-based phytohormones, including certain phytoestrogens, that are structurally similar to but distinct from human hormones. These compounds affect plant growth and have different—often beneficial—effects on human health when consumed.

Key Points

Phytohormones vs. Human Hormones: Peas contain plant-specific hormones called phytohormones, not human hormones like estrogen or testosterone.
Low Phytoestrogen Content: Peas contain some phytoestrogens, but in significantly lower amounts than foods like soy, and their effect on the human body is generally mild.
Distinct Biological Action: The chemical structure and function of phytohormones are different from human hormones, resulting in different biological activity.
Nutritional Benefits: The main health benefits of eating peas come from their high content of protein, fiber, and micronutrients, which aid digestion and promote satiety.
Generally Safe to Eat: Studies have shown that consuming peas and pea protein is safe for the majority of people, with no evidence of hormonal disruption from normal dietary intake.
Plant Growth Regulation: Within the plant, phytohormones like auxins and gibberellins are crucial for regulating development from germination to maturation.

The Truth About Peas and Hormones: A Clear Distinction

Many people are curious about the compounds present in the foods they eat, especially when it comes to hormonal impacts. The short answer to the question, "Do peas have hormones?" is no, not in the way humans or animals produce them. Peas, like all plants, produce their own set of chemical messengers called phytohormones, which are fundamentally different from the hormones in the human endocrine system.

What are Phytohormones?

Phytohormones are organic compounds that regulate all aspects of plant growth and development. They are crucial for a plant's entire life cycle, from germination and root growth to flowering and fruit development. These chemical signals help plants respond to environmental stresses, defend against pests, and manage their cellular processes. The concentration of these compounds in plants is very low, and their effects are specific to plant physiology.

Types of Phytohormones and Other Compounds in Peas

Peas (Pisum sativum) contain several types of phytohormones and other bioactive compounds:

Auxins (IAA and 4-Cl-IAA): These regulate processes like cell division and elongation during early fruit and seed development.
Gibberellins (GAs): Abundant in pea seeds, GAs are involved in stem elongation and promoting seed germination.
Abscisic Acid (ABA): This phytohormone plays a key role in seed dormancy and stress responses.
Strigolactones (SLs): These are involved in regulating the growth of axillary buds, helping to shape the plant's structure.
Phytoestrogens: Peas also contain phytoestrogens, plant-derived compounds that can bind to estrogen receptors in the human body. In peas, these include coumestans, such as coumestrol, although in very low concentrations compared to other legumes like soybeans.

Distinguishing Phytohormones from Human Hormones

It is essential to understand the distinction between plant-produced phytohormones and human hormones. While some plant compounds can mimic human hormones, they are not the same and do not function identically. Their impact on the human body is generally mild and differs greatly from the powerful, concentrated effects of endogenous human hormones.

Key Differences Explained

The primary distinctions lie in their function, structure, potency, and effect on organisms.

Function: Phytohormones regulate plant-specific processes like cell growth and water retention. Human hormones, produced by the endocrine system, regulate human physiology, metabolism, and reproduction.
Structure: While some plant compounds like phytoestrogens are structurally similar to human estrogen, they are not identical. These subtle differences lead to much weaker binding to human hormone receptors.
Potency: The estrogenic effect of phytoestrogens from peas is significantly weaker than the effect of human estrogen.
Effect on Organisms: Phytohormones are biologically active only within the plant. When humans consume them, they are metabolized differently and have a much less potent and varied impact than human hormones.

Comparative Table: Plant Hormones vs. Human Hormones


Feature	Plant Phytohormones	Human Endocrine Hormones
Source	Produced naturally by plants to regulate their own growth.	Produced by glands in the human endocrine system (e.g., ovaries, testes, thyroid).
Function	Regulates plant growth, development, and environmental response.	Regulates human metabolism, growth, reproduction, and mood.
Composition	Diverse organic compounds like auxins, gibberellins, and phytoestrogens.	Steroids, peptides, and other substances (e.g., estrogen, insulin, testosterone).
Concentration	Present in very low concentrations within the plant.	Circulates in the bloodstream at specific, regulated concentrations.
Biological Target	Plant cells and tissues.	Human cells with specific hormone receptors.
Effect on Humans	Minor, generally beneficial effects through mild binding to receptors, often requiring significant dietary intake.	Potent, specific, and widespread effects on the human body.

Peas and Human Health: What's the Effect?

Beyond the hormonal discussion, peas offer significant nutritional benefits that contribute to overall health. Their impact on the human body is primarily driven by their protein, fiber, and micronutrient content, not their phytohormones.

Phytoestrogens: The Connection to Estrogen

Studies on phytoestrogens and human health, particularly related to menopause and bone density, have largely focused on sources like soy, which have much higher concentrations. While peas contain phytoestrogens, the quantities are minimal. Some researchers believe these compounds, when consumed as part of a balanced diet, might offer mild health benefits, but they are not a replacement for medical treatments for hormone-related conditions. It is also important to note that the effects of phytoestrogens can be complex, and more research is needed.

General Health Benefits of Peas

High in Protein: Green peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, crucial for muscle repair, tissue building, and regulating many bodily functions. This high protein and fiber content is a key reason they are so filling.
Rich in Fiber: The high fiber content in peas aids digestion, promotes satiety, and supports a healthy gut microbiome.
Packed with Nutrients: Peas are a great source of vitamins (like A and K), minerals (like iron and zinc), and antioxidants.

Safety and Consumption

For the vast majority of people, peas and pea protein are perfectly safe to consume regularly. In fact, studies on pea protein hydrolysate show no toxicity, even at high doses. However, as with any food, individuals with specific sensitivities or allergies should be cautious. Concerns about the phytohormones in peas affecting human health are largely unfounded, given their low concentration and different biological activity.

Conclusion

In summary, while peas do contain chemical compounds called phytohormones that regulate plant growth, they do not have hormones that function like human hormones. The primary compounds in question are phytoestrogens, but their concentration in peas is very low and their effect on the human body is mild, especially compared to other foods like soy. The health benefits of peas are overwhelmingly linked to their excellent nutritional profile, including high levels of protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients. Concerns about hormonal disruption from eating peas are not supported by scientific evidence for the general population, reinforcing that this nutritious legume is a safe and healthy addition to any diet.

For more in-depth information, you can consult research on the topic, such as this study on phytoestrogens: Assessment of the estrogenic activities of chickpea.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the phytohormones found in peas are not harmful to humans. They are natural compounds that function in plant growth, and their biological effect on humans is very different and much milder than that of human hormones.

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that consuming pea protein as part of a normal diet will significantly impact your hormone levels. The compounds in peas that can mimic hormones (phytoestrogens) are present in low concentrations and have weak effects.

Peas contain minimal amounts of phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that can bind to estrogen receptors. However, the quantities are too small to cause a significant increase in your body's estrogen levels.

Phytohormones are chemical signals that regulate growth and development in plants. Human hormones are chemical messengers produced by the endocrine system that regulate human physiological processes. They are structurally and functionally distinct.

Both green peas and snow peas contain phytoestrogens, but the concentration of these compounds in peas is generally low across different varieties when compared to foods like soy.

Phytohormones in pea plants, such as auxins and gibberellins, regulate key developmental stages. This includes everything from root growth and germination to flowering and seed development.

Pea protein is considered safe because it is predominantly composed of amino acids, not hormones. Any minute amount of phytohormones present in the whole pea is further reduced or altered during processing. Safety studies on pea protein hydrolysates have found no significant toxic effects.