Does Eating Cheese Affect Your Hormones?

December 29, 2025 •

4 min read

Dairy products, including cheese, are known to contain naturally occurring steroid hormones from cows. The question of whether these dairy-based hormones can affect human hormonal balance is complex, with research presenting mixed and sometimes contradictory evidence.

Quick Summary

This article explores the scientific evidence regarding how eating cheese, containing naturally occurring and potentially concentrated bovine hormones, may influence human endocrine function and overall hormonal health.

Key Points

Bovine Hormones are Present: Cheese contains naturally occurring steroid hormones from cows, with levels potentially higher in products from pregnant cows.
Concentration in High-Fat Cheese: Fat-soluble hormones like estrogen and progesterone can become more concentrated as milk is processed into higher-fat cheeses.
IGF-1 Can Influence Androgens: Cheese and other dairy contain IGF-1, which can promote androgen production and may contribute to acne, especially in those sensitive to dairy.
Limited Absorption, Variable Impact: While some studies suggest dietary hormones can be absorbed and affect blood levels, others argue the digestive system breaks them down, leading to mixed evidence.
Individual Factors Matter: The overall effect depends on a person's individual health, pre-existing hormonal conditions, and the quantity and type of cheese consumed.
Processing and Probiotics May Help: Fermented cheeses containing probiotics may reduce the absorption of some hormones, while organic choices help avoid additional toxins.
Testosterone Link is Unproven: Despite some claims, there is no strong scientific evidence that cheese directly increases testosterone levels in men.

How Bovine Hormones in Cheese Affect Humans

All dairy products, including cheese, contain naturally occurring hormones produced by cows. The levels of these hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, are especially high in milk from pregnant cows, which is often used in commercial dairy production. As milk is processed into cheese, these hormones, particularly those that are fat-soluble like estrogen and progesterone, can become more concentrated. The potential impact of these hormones on human health has been a subject of ongoing research and public debate.

Some research has suggested that the human body can absorb and be affected by bovine hormones found in dairy products. A preliminary study observed that consuming cow's milk led to a significant increase in plasma estrone (E1) and progesterone (P4) levels in participants, while FSH, LH, and testosterone levels decreased. However, other researchers argue that the human digestive system breaks down these hormones, rendering them inactive and safe for consumption. Additionally, probiotics found in fermented dairy products like cheese may help to break down and reduce the absorption of estrogen, though more research is needed.

The Role of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1)

Beyond the natural steroid hormones, milk and cheese contain Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), a growth hormone that can be influenced by diet. Higher dairy consumption has been linked to increased IGF-1 levels in the body. This is particularly relevant for conditions like acne, as elevated androgen levels (which IGF-1 promotes) can stimulate sebum production. This theory helps explain the observed link between milk consumption and acne flare-ups in some individuals.

The Impact on Specific Hormonal Conditions

PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Endometriosis

For individuals with PCOS or endometriosis, where hormonal imbalances are a primary concern, dairy consumption may exacerbate symptoms. This is due to several potential mechanisms:

Estrogen: Full-fat dairy, which concentrates fat-soluble estrogens, could interfere with the body's own hormone levels.
Saturated Fat: The saturated fat content in cheese and other dairy products contains palmitic acid, which has been linked to higher circulating estrogen levels.
Androgens: IGF-1 in dairy can promote androgen hormones, such as testosterone, further worsening imbalances.
Inflammation: For individuals sensitive to dairy, the resulting gut inflammation can increase the burden on the liver, which is responsible for detoxifying and excreting excess hormones.

Male Hormonal Health and Testosterone

While some internet claims suggest cheese boosts testosterone, scientific evidence is inconclusive and mixed. Some studies show no significant link between cheese intake and testosterone production, while others have found a modest, though not conclusive, association between higher dairy intake and slightly higher total testosterone levels. Conversely, other research suggests that high dairy intake could be a risk factor for low testosterone.

A Comparative Look: Cheese vs. Other Dairy


Feature	Hard Cheeses (e.g., Cheddar, Parmesan)	Soft Cheeses (e.g., Brie, Feta)	Yogurt (Full-fat)	Milk (Skim vs. Full)
Hormone Concentration	Can be higher due to concentration of fat-soluble hormones like estrogen and progesterone.	Can contain concentrated hormones, particularly if high-fat.	Contains naturally occurring hormones. Studies show fermented products might be less impacting.	All forms contain natural hormones. Skim milk may have different IGF-1 impacts.
Saturated Fat	High in saturated fat, which has links to higher circulating estrogen levels and inflammation.	Varies by fat content; can be high.	Variable; can increase circulating estrogen if full-fat.	Variable; full-fat contains more saturated fat.
IGF-1 Levels	Contains IGF-1, which promotes androgen production and can worsen imbalances.	Contains IGF-1.	Contains IGF-1; some studies suggest fermentation lessens impact.	High consumption linked to high IGF-1 levels.
Lactose Content	Generally lower in lactose due to the cheesemaking and aging process.	Can contain more lactose than hard cheeses.	Fermented process reduces lactose, making it easier to digest for some.	High in lactose, which can contribute to gut inflammation for intolerant individuals.

Making an Informed Decision

Ultimately, whether eating cheese affects your hormones and to what extent depends on many factors, including the type of cheese, your individual sensitivity, gut health, and overall diet. The presence of naturally occurring hormones like estrogen and IGF-1 is a notable factor, especially with high-fat dairy from commercially-produced milk. However, the human body's ability to break down and excrete these compounds is a key consideration.

Moderation and mindful consumption are key. If you have a pre-existing hormonal condition or are sensitive to dairy, you may notice more pronounced effects. Choosing organic dairy and fermented varieties, which contain probiotics, may help to mitigate some of the potential risks. Pairing cheese with fiber-rich foods can also support your body's detoxification processes. For definitive advice, always consult a healthcare professional. Link for more information on dairy and acne.

Conclusion

While dairy products, including cheese, contain bovine hormones like estrogen and growth factors like IGF-1, their direct impact on human hormonal balance is still an area of ongoing scientific inquiry. Certain individuals, particularly those with hormonal conditions like PCOS or acne-prone skin, may experience more noticeable effects, possibly related to the concentration of fat-soluble hormones and IGF-1. However, others may find no significant effect due to the body's natural metabolic processes. A balanced approach that considers individual health, moderation, and the type of cheese consumed is the most prudent strategy for those concerned about hormonal health.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Scientific opinion is divided; some studies suggest that bovine hormones may be absorbed and affect human hormonal balance, while others propose that the human digestive system breaks them down, rendering them inactive.

Cheese contains Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), which can increase androgen production. This can lead to increased sebum production and may worsen acne in sensitive individuals, though the link is primarily noted with milk consumption.

As dairy, especially high-fat varieties, contains natural bovine estrogens, some research suggests a link to higher circulating estrogen, particularly in individuals with conditions like endometriosis or PCOS.

Fermented cheeses, like aged Parmesan or feta, often have lower lactose levels and contain probiotics, which may support gut health and hormonal balance. Organic varieties are also preferable to avoid additional toxins.

Evidence is mixed and inconclusive. While some studies show no link, others suggest high intake may be associated with slightly higher or, in contrast, lower testosterone levels.

Pasteurization is a heating process that kills harmful bacteria but does not destroy the steroid hormones already present in the milk. The hormone content is more related to the fat content and the cow's stage of pregnancy.

For individuals with sensitivities or lactose intolerance, consuming dairy can cause inflammation. This inflammation can increase the load on the liver, which is responsible for detoxifying hormones, potentially affecting hormonal balance.