Abstract:
Milk and dairy products are consumed by over 6 billion people worldwide, with more than 750 million individuals engaged in dairy farming. To boost milk production, steroids and hormonal substances are sometimes misused in dairy cattle, leading to serious health implications for both animals and humans.
Naturally, milk from cows, goats, and even humans contains trace amounts of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Because estrogen is fat-soluble, its concentration tends to be higher in skimmed milk compared to whole milk. Research evaluating steroid presence in milk and dairy products highlights potential health risks, though findings vary.
Systematic reviews and observational studies suggest that while certain hormones—including prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), oxytocin, growth hormone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)—are present in milk, their concentrations are generally low. Furthermore, many of these hormones are broken down by intestinal enzymes, reducing their direct impact. However, prolonged use of hormonal injections or synthetic steroids in cattle has been shown to harm animal health, lower productivity, and may indirectly contribute to adverse health outcomes in humans.
The issue is further complicated by limited data and inconsistent reporting on substances such as oxytocin and its secretion levels in milk. Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, media reports often amplify concerns, underscoring the urgent need for scientifically validated studies.