Protein powder and your hormones: does it affect them?

With protein powders becoming a trusty dietary staple for many, questions about their wider impact on our bodies are natural. We’re here to help answer them.

For example, does protein powder affect our hormones – positively or negatively? Maintaining hormonal balance is essential to overall wellbeing, so how might your daily scoop of protein powder be influencing this? The answer lies in the type of protein and how it's processed, as well as your individual biology – read on to find out more.

Protein and hormones: a key relationship

Hormones are the chemical messengers of your body, influencing everything from energy levels and metabolism to mood and reproductive health. (1) Scientists have identified at least 50 hormones in humans (2) and keeping them in balance helps us to function normally.

Diet – especially protein intake – plays a key role in supporting this balance. (3)

Proteins are the building blocks of hormones

Protein is directly involved in hormone production and regulation. (4) Hormones like insulin, glucagon, and human growth hormone (HGH) are all proteins or protein-derived, meaning your body needs an adequate supply of essential amino acids to produce and regulate these messengers effectively.

Protein stabilises your blood sugar levels

Beyond hormone production, protein intake can help stabilise blood sugar levels, (5) which is critical for balanced hormone function. This is particularly important for hormones like insulin, which governs how your body processes glucose for energy.

Protein supports weight management and metabolism

A high-protein diet can aid weight management by promoting satiety and supporting a healthy metabolism. (6,7) This, in turn, can positively influence hormone balance, as weight fluctuations and metabolic issues often disrupt hormonal stability. (8)

Protein benefits gut health

Protein also indirectly supports hormonal regulation through gut health. A balanced gut microbiome, which is linked to adequate protein intake, (9) plays a significant role in the production and regulation of certain hormones, such as serotonin. (10)

Importance in both males and females

Adequate protein intake benefits hormonal health across both sexes, supporting everything from muscle health and metabolism to reproductive health. (11,12,13) For example, in women, protein can help regulate oestrogen and progesterone levels, while in men, it can contribute to healthy testosterone production. (14,15,16)

Does protein powder contain hormones?

Some protein powders, primarily those derived from animal sources, such as dairy, may naturally contain trace amounts of hormones. Whey protein, for example, is made from milk, which contains very small amounts of naturally occurring hormones like oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones are present in the milk of all mammals, including cows, and may carry over into dairy-based protein powders in negligible quantities.

Go organic for peace of mind

For those worried about hormone exposure, it’s worth noting that organic protein powders – like our organic-certified whey protein powder – are often a safer bet.

Organic whey protein powders come from cows raised without synthetic hormones like rBST (recombinant bovine somatotropin), which is sometimes used to increase milk production in conventional farming. By choosing organic, you’re also opting for higher welfare standards and reduced exposure to potentially harmful farming practices.

Does protein powder cause hormonal imbalance?

The potential for protein powders to disrupt hormones is a common concern, especially with certain ingredients like soy and dairy. However, the relationship between protein powder consumption and hormonal imbalance is nuanced and often misunderstood.

Soy protein powder and oestrogen

Soy protein contains phytoestrogens, plant compounds that can mimic oestrogen in the body. (17) This has raised concerns that consuming soy-based protein powders might disrupt hormonal balance, particularly for women with oestrogen-sensitive conditions or men worried about reduced testosterone levels.

Research can be conflicting, which only serves to complicate the matter. However, it’s generally considered that moderate soy consumption is unlikely to cause significant hormonal changes in most people. (18) Its impact varies based on a number of factors, such as intake levels, sex, and age. (19,20)

Whey protein and IGF-1

You might have heard some concerns about whey protein powder supplementation increasing levels of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) in the body. (21) However, an increase in IGF-1 is in fact a commonality across increased protein intake from any source. (22)

We’d always recommend pairing our whey protein powder with a whole food diet first and foremost, and you can also speak with a medical professional before supplementing to make sure your protein intake levels are right for you and your body.

The bottom line

For the majority of people, protein powders consumed in moderation are unlikely to cause hormonal imbalance. Whether you choose soy, whey, or another type of protein powder, focusing on high-quality, minimally processed products can help support overall health. 

If you have specific hormonal concerns or sensitivities, consulting with a healthcare professional can provide tailored advice for your specific needs.

Our tips for choosing the best protein powder for hormonal balance

• Clean protein: Choose protein powders that are free from artificial sweeteners, fillers, and preservatives. These additives can sometimes disrupt hormonal balance, (23) so a simple, minimally processed protein powder is ideal.
• Organic and non-GMO: Organic protein powders will be free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and growth hormones. Non-GMO options can further reduce exposure to potentially hormone-disrupting farming practices.
• Third-party testing: Third-party testing ensures that the protein powder meets strict quality and safety standards. This verification adds peace of mind, confirming that your chosen product is free from harmful contaminants.

Will protein powder affect your hormones?

Protein powder, when chosen mindfully, is unlikely to significantly impact your hormones and can play a valuable role in a balanced diet. With protein being a fundamental building block for hormone production, stabilising blood sugar, and supporting overall metabolic health, the right protein powder can contribute positively to your body’s hormonal balance.

Prioritising high-quality, clean-label options, such as organic or minimally processed protein powders, can help minimise exposure to additives and unwanted substances that might interfere with hormonal health.

If you have specific concerns about how protein powder might affect your hormones or overall wellbeing, consulting a healthcare professional or nutritionist is always a good idea. With the right choice and guidance, protein powder can be a reliable, hormone-friendly addition to your healthy lifestyle.