United Dairy Industry of Michigan
  • Schools
    • Smoothie Blender Bike
    • Parents and Guardians
    • Milk, it’s spot on.
    • School Meals
      • School Breakfast
      • School Lunch
      • School Snacks
      • Summer Feeding
    • Dairy & School Meals
      • Food Service Equipment
      • Food Service Videos
      • Food Safety
      • School Meal Recipes
      • Hot Chocolate in School
      • Lattes in School
      • Smoothies In School
    • Fuel Up to Play 60
      • Meet Our Student Ambassadors
      • School Spotlight
      • Events
      • Resources
    • Nutrition Education
    • School Grant Programs
    • Virtual Farm Tour
  • Athletes
    • Sports Nutrition
      • CrossFit
    • Chocolate Milk
    • Team Chocolate Milk
    • Professional Athletes
    • Race Toolkit
  • Health Professionals
    • Health Professionals Continuing Education
    • Health Professionals Resources
  • Farming
    • Dairy’s Contribution to Sustainable Nutrition
    • The Journey of Milk
    • Day in the Life of a Michigan Dairy Farm Family
    • Meet Our Dairy Farm Families
      • Meet MI Farm Families
        • Farm Family Fun Facts
    • Michigan Dairy Facts
  • Food
    • Milk
    • Cheese
    • Chocolate Milk
  • Nutrition
    • Lactose Intolerance
    • Dairy Nutrition Facts
  • Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Producers
    • Dairy Promotion Toolkit
      • Dairy Promotion Calendar
      • Promotion Event Examples
      • Farm Tour Resources
      • Promotional Handouts
      • Promotional Handouts Download
      • Promotional Items
      • Hear From Your Peers
    • Dairy Promotion Grant Program
      • Grant Tips
      • Grant FAQ
      • Grant Photo Examples
      • Application
    • Dairy Talk Webinars
    • United Dairy Industry of Michigan Board Mentor Program
  • Farming
    • Dairy’s Contribution to Sustainable Nutrition
    • The Journey of Milk
    • Day in the Life of a Michigan Dairy Farm Family
    • Meet Our Dairy Farm Families
      • Meet MI Farm Families
        • Farm Family Fun Facts
    • Michigan Dairy Facts
  • Food
    • Milk
    • Cheese
    • Chocolate Milk
  • Nutrition
    • Lactose Intolerance
    • Dairy Nutrition Facts
  • Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Producers
    • Dairy Promotion Toolkit
      • Dairy Promotion Calendar
      • Promotion Event Examples
      • Farm Tour Resources
      • Promotional Handouts
      • Promotional Handouts Download
      • Promotional Items
      • Hear From Your Peers
    • Dairy Promotion Grant Program
      • Grant Tips
      • Grant FAQ
      • Grant Photo Examples
      • Application
    • Dairy Talk Webinars
    • United Dairy Industry of Michigan Board Mentor Program

Home > Milk Means More Blog > Hormones and Milk: Debunking Three Common Myths

  • Check us out
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
03/30/2017

Hormones and Milk: Debunking Three Common Myths

Lois McBean, MS, RDN  |  3 Comments  |  Dairy Facts and Myths

Misperceptions related to hormones and cow’s milk have led to consumer concerns and questions about milk’s safety and healthfulness. Below are three common myths about hormones and cow’s milk and scientific facts dispelling these myths.

Myth: Organic cow’s milk, unlike conventionally produced cow’s milk, is free of hormones.

Fact: Both plant and animal foods contain hormones. All cow’s milk, organic and conventionally produced, naturally contains miniscule amounts of protein hormones, which are broken down by digestion causing them to be biologically inactive in humans. There is no evidence that the hormones in cow’s milk are harmful to human health.

Myth: Milk from cows treated with the synthetic protein hormone, recombinant bovine growth hormone (rbGH), has higher levels of bovine growth hormone (bGH) than milk from untreated cows.

Fact: There is no difference in bGH levels in milk from rbGH-treated or untreated cows. Some dairy farmers may treat their cows with this U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved, safe, synthetic hormone to increase milk production in their cows. In response to consumers’ requests, Michigan dairy farmers do not  use rbGH. This synthetic hormone is not added directly to milk and the composition of milk from rbGH-treated and untreated cows is the same. Also, these hormones are specific to cows and have no effect on the human body.

Based on a review of the scientific evidence, the FDA has concluded that milk from cows treated with rbGH is safe for human consumption. In addition, the safety of milk from cows treated with this hormone has been verified by numerous national and international government and health organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, the World Health Organization, and the American Medical Association. After 20 years of use, no evidence exists to support health concerns related to consuming milk from cows treated with rbGH, according to a review of the science.

Related: Do you know your Milk? Your choice makes a difference

Myth: Hormones in cow’s milk cause early puberty.

Fact.: There is no conclusive evidence to support the suggestion that the minute amounts of hormones naturally present in cow’s milk cause early puberty. While some observational studies indicate a trend toward earlier puberty in recent decades, this trend and the long-term effects of early puberty remain controversial.

Several factors such as overweight/body fat, better nutrition, and ethnicity may contribute to an earlier age at puberty. Findings from a study of more than 5,500 U.S. girls ages 9 to 14 years followed for five years led the researchers to conclude “regular consumption of milk in girls aged ≥ 9 y is unlikely to substantially affect age at onset of menarche [the first occurrence of menstruation].”

An observation arguing against the milk-early puberty belief is that children’s milk consumption has decreased in recent decades during which time age of puberty has been decreasing. Consuming recommended servings of milk and other dairy foods (cheese, yogurt) each day is important for bone health, especially in children and adolescents.

Bottom Line. Scientific findings continue to demonstrate the safety and health benefits of cow’s milk for children and adults.

Lois McBean, MS, RDN
About the author

Lois McBean, MS, RDN, is Technical Advisor for Nutrition for the United Dairy Industry of Michigan, Dairy Council of Michigan. Among her roles in this position, Lois monitors and critically evaluates nutrition research as it relates to the health benefits of dairy foods, writes and edits nutrition articles and educational materials, and responds to requests for technical information from a variety of audiences.

Comments (3)
  • Steven says:
    Sep 14, 2017

    Hi there! Whats your take on the Estrogen content of milk? I live in the UK and have become worried by this. Recently switched over to skimmed milk! Although i have heard the progresterone outweighs any estrogen and also the estrogen content is miniscule?
    Thanks 🙂

    Reply
  • Milk Means More says:
    Jan 22, 2018

    Estogen is a hormone and hormones are broken down into protein by our digestive systems. So any incidental hormones in milk are NOT hormones in our bodies. No need for concern:)

    Reply
  • Lou Andrade says:
    Aug 4, 2018

    Hi Steven,
    I’m not sure what Milk Means More is saying… Estrogen is a steroid, and it is not “converted to protein”. Also, our digestive system does not brake hormones “into protein”. Those hormones that are proteins are broken down into amino acids. Steroids are directly absorbed by the digestive system. Since steroids are fat soluble, I’d expect skim milk to have lower levels of steroids. I’m sure someone has looked into this. BTW, I teach human physiology at the college level. Be well.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Tweets by MilkMeansMore

@MilkMeansMore on Instagram

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 18

Open
Catch our friend @jennywiththegoodeats on @foodnetwork’s Supermarket Stakeout tomorrow night at 10pm EST! 🛒🥛 #RG @jennywiththegoodeats Second chances are everything when there’s so much at stake 🔥⁣ ⁣ Catch me on Supermarket Stakeout with @guarnaschelli next Tuesday, January 19th at 10pm EST/9pm Central on @foodnetwork 🛒⁣ ⁣ #comebackkid #jennywiththegoodeats
273 0

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 17

Open
We're oat a loss of words with this one! 😋🥛 Warm up with a nutrient-rich bowl of oatmeal with #realmilk this #NationalOatmealMonth. Make it a masterpiece by topping with ricotta, honey and figs!
273 0

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 16

Open
Homecooked meals on cold winter days can be healthy AND comforting! Click the link in our bio to see Culinary Dietitian and former Food Network host Ellie Krieger's (@ellie_krieger) favorite one-pan dairy recipes.
270 1

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 15

Open
Train 💪 Refuel 💪 Win 💪 Repeat With a 3:1 carb to protein ratio, low-fat chocolate milk helps World Champion Snowboarder Jake Vedder (@Jake_Vedder) refuel after every training session.
286 4

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 14

Open
#RealWorks means no excuses and hard work. Don’t just make resolutions this year, beat them. Recover from tough workouts with low-fat chocolate milk to keep pushing towards your goals. #NewYearsResolutions #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy
267 1

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 13

Open
To say this school year came with challenges is an understatement. Without a crystal ball to forecast what the next week, day, or even hour could bring, Saline Area Schools’ food service staff stayed focused with one goal in mind – keep students fed any way they could. “I’m most proud of how we have come together to do things we’ve never done before,” says Lawrence D’Andrea, Director of Dining Services for Saline Area Schools. 🔗 to the full story in bio. Stay tuned for more stories on food service programs that continue to provide comforting, consistent and nutritious meals to students. To learn more about the #MiFoodHeroes project, visit the 🔗 in our bio. ❤️: @saline_hs @salineschools 📸: Raj Mehta, Emily Rose Chene & Jordan Hay #MiEducation #UndeniablyDairy #MilkMeansMore
293 0

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 12

Open
Put the "moo" in your #sMOOthies by combining yogurt, milk and other wholesome ingredients that will power you through the day! Recipe + 📸: @jennywiththegoodeats #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy #NewYearsResolutions
279 0

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 11

Open
Happy #NationalMilkDay! #GotMilk? ❤️🥛
295 2

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 8

Open
Ever in the #dairy aisle and wonder - do I need whipping cream or heavy cream? What’s the difference between butter and cultured butter? 🧈🥛 Get the scoop on dairy products on our blog! 🔗 in bio. #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy #dairydifferences #cooking #cookingwithdairy
283 0

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 7

Open
#DYK dairy farmers keep calves udderly warm with jackets during frigid Michigan winters? ❄️🐄 #RG @kipsiegler_farming During the winter months in Michigan it gets cold! So, when I put on a heavier jacket, I put one on our baby calves as well! @milkmeansmore #seedingwithsieglers #undeniablydairy #gotmilk
312 0

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 6

Open
We are only a few days away from celebrating National Milk Day with farmer Ashley at Sheridan Dairy Farm! Join us this Monday, January 11th, at 1 p.m. ET for a Virtual Farm Tour! 🐄💻 The tour will be streamed LIVE on our Facebook Page and YouTube Channel the day of! 🔗 in bio. TEACHERS - register your classroom to attend ahead of time, 🔗 to the registration page in bio. #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy #VFT #VirtualLearning #RemoteLearning
281 0

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 5

Open
Happy #NationalWhippedCreamDay! 🐄😋 Only 3 ingredients are needed to make this yummy treat, recipe on our story! #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy
285 1

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 5

Open
We are excited to announce our final Home Fridge Advantage winner – Congratulations to Brenda from Wyoming, MI! Brenda’s daughter Tiffany nominated her because she takes care of everyone in the family despite her own hardships. Brenda has always used second-hand refrigerators and is currently without a refrigerator at all. She has been using coolers to keep food cold while waiting to find an affordable refrigerator. Brenda’s wait is over, because she is getting a new refrigerator, a $500 grocery gift card and $500 cash to fill it with #UndeniablyDairy and groceries, courtesy of Michigan’s dairy farmers, the @DetroitLions and @Kroger. Brenda selected Wyoming Elementary School, where her granddaughter attends, and the Family Network of Wyoming, which has a food pantry, for her “Forward Pass.”
295 1

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 31

Open
Toast in the new year with a Warm Chocolate Raspberry Milk-tini! 🍸🥛 Recipe in bio.
267 0

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 29

Open
With protein to build, carbs to fuel and nutrient-packed, it's no wonder why low-fat chocolate milk is a power play for Justin Abdelkader (@justinabdelkader8). #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy #hockey #michigan
293 0

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 25

Open
#HappyHolidays from Michigan's dairy farmers! 🥛⛄
268 0

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 24

Open
Eggnog is all that it’s cracked up to be! 🥚🥛 Celebrate #NationalEggnogDay with this holiday classic as a latte, recipe in bio. #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy #eggnog #holidaydrink
273 0

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 23

Open
We are excited to announce our seventh Home Fridge Advantage Winner – Congratulations to Danielle from Dodgeville. This Yooper was nominated by her sister Ashlyn, who admires Danielle for optimistically managing the struggles and the pandemic while pregnant with her 4th child. She will receive a new refrigerator, $500 Kroger gift card and $500 cash to fill it with #UndeniablyDairy and groceries! Courtesy of Michigan's dairy farmers, the @detroitlionsnfl and @kroger. The two selected Houghton Elementary School, where their kids attend, for their “Forward Pass.” The school will be replacing their 29-year old cooler to make sure students have ice cold milk every day. #UndeniablyDairy #HFA #HomeFridgeAdvantage
300 2

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 20

Open
Unwrap nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D and protein all found in #realmilk this holiday season. #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy #holidayseason
283 1

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 18

Open
Love chocolate? Peppermint? Gingerbread? Visit our blog for dairy-inspired #holidayrecipes you're sure to love. Link in bio.
270 1

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 15

Open
Some #calves born during frigid Michigan winter days need a little extra TLC. ❄️🐄 Dairy farmers keep these newborns warm by using washable jackets that act as an extra layer or "winter coat," ensuring they are comfortable! #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy #cowcomfort #michigandairyfarming
300 0

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 15

Open
These Melted Ice Cream Tiramisu Cookies are @goboldwithbutter's 2020 Holiday Cookie Recipe Contest winner and truly #UndeniablyDairy! With melted ice cream 🍨, heavy cream 🥛, mascarpone cheese 🧀 and real butter 🧈 they are the ultimate dairy-filled treat. ➡️ Head to their page for the recipe. #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy #HolidayRecipes
275 1

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 13

Open
Nothing screams holiday cheer more than this Spiked Peppermint Patty Hot Chocolate on #NationalCocoaDay! 🍬☕ Link to recipe in bio. 📸 + Recipe: @chefnextdoor #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy
285 2

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 10

Open
We are excited to announce our next Home Fridge Advantage Winner – Congratulations to Ameenah from Highland Park who was nominated by her mother Adeeba. Ameenah is a part-time University of Detroit Mercy nursing student and is expecting her first child. She also worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant earlier this year at a local nursing home, caring for those isolated and battling COVID-19. Unfortunately her refrigerator leaks water and no longer keeps food at a safe temperature, much of it spoiling quickly. “I nominated Ameenah because she always cares for others and it is her turn to receive help,” said Adeeba. She will receive a new refrigerator, $500 Kroger gift card and $500 cash to fill it with #UndeniablyDairy and groceries! Courtesy of Michigan's dairy farmers, the @detroitlionsnfl and @kroger. Ameenah completed her “Forward Pass,” granting Destined for Greatness Mentoring $2000 to purchase equipment that will allow them to provide more nutrient-rich milk to young women in the City of Detroit.
294 0

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 8

Open
It's BRIE-ginning to look a lot like Christmas! ❄️ This baked brie recipe is sure to be a holiday hit. Pair with warm baguette, fig crackers or fruit. Wondering how brie is made? Take a tour of Old Europe Cheese with @jennywiththegoodeats to see how Michigan milk is made into award-winning, creamy cheese. ⚪🥛 🔗 to recipe and tour in bio. 📸 + Recipe: @foxeslovelemons #UndeniablyDairy #MilkMeansMore #cheese #brie #holidayrecipes #appetizers
278 1

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 7

Open
Professional snowboarder Jake Vedder (@JakeVedder) conquers steep slopes with strong bones made by fueling with low-fat chocolate milk. 💪🥛 @ConquerWithMilk #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy
284 0

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 6

Open
You don't have to give up this holiday tradition! 🍪 Tips on how to host a #virtual cookie exchange on the blog, 🔗 in bio. #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy #milk #holidaycookies #cookieexchange
272 0

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 4

Open
Happy #NationalCookieDay! Add yourself to the nice list by pairing #realmilk with these tasty treats. 🥛🍪 🔗 to recipe in bio. #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy #cookies #holidaycookies
262 0

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 2

Open
This holiday season we are thankful for and celebrate the resilience of Michigan’s dairy community throughout 2020. ❤️🐄 The #dairycommunity continues to persevere through uncertain times, ensuring nutrient-rich foods like milk, cheese and yogurt are not only on our tables but also on the tables of those in need. Continue reading on the blog, 🔗 in bio. #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy #Blog
265 0

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 1

Open
Any eggnog fans here?! 🥛🎄 Start off the holiday season right by making it at home! ➡️ Swipe for the recipe. #RG @stefmturner Us Turner girls like our Christmas trees so tacky they’re cute, and our nogs with ginger ale on the rocks. 💁🏼‍♀️ We tried our luck at making our very own homemade egg nog today and I think it just might be a new tradition! Swipe to watch our “how to”. It made for a perfect after dinner, dairy treat, and was fun for us all (well, except Dot... because she couldn’t have any yet 😅.) #undeniablydairy #milkmeansmore
294 1
FOLLOW US
Milk Means More logo
2163 Jolly Road
Okemos, Michigan 48864 517-349-8923

Receive nutrition tips, dairy fun facts, fresh recipes and more delivered to your inbox!

  • Dairy Farming
  • Dairy Food
  • Dairy Nutrition
  • Recipes
  • News
  • Blog
  • Dairy Producers
  • Events
  • For Schools
  • For Athletes
  • For Health Professionals
  • About UDIM
  • Contact

© 2021 UDIM. All Rights Reserved.

  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy