Does dairy affect female hormones?

Last updated 31/01/2025

If you look up dairy and iron absorption online, you'll be met with a tonne of resources that tell you to avoid consuming dairy foods with iron rich foods. Dairy foods contain nutrients like calcium, casein and phosphate that (theoretically) compete with iron at absorption sites in the gut. This is what's known as a 'mechanistic' relationship, meaning we base our understanding on the relationship between these nutrients based on the mechanisms of digestion we know happen in our gut.

The female reproductive system is quite intricate, and this complexity extends to female hormones and their interactions, making it a dynamic and ever-evolving field of study. An aspect that can influence female hormones is what you eat.

You might have come across discussions about how diet relates to female hormones, especially advice around cutting out dairy.

In Australia, the hormones found in milk are naturally occurring and present in very small amounts. These hormones are broken down by enzymes in your digestive system, preventing them from being absorbed in their active form. Unlike some other countries, Australia banned the use of synthetic hormones in dairy cows back in 2008, so large amounts of hormones in milk isn't a worry here. For more details, you can refer to "Does Cow's Milk Contain Estrogen and Other Hormones?"

When it comes to research in humans about dairy interfering with female hormones, there's not a lot out there.

Local advice around dairy and female hormones centres around a balanced diet rich in calcium (as well as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids) to help manage pre-menstrual symptoms.¹

Ultimately, there isn't enough evidence in Australia to warrant a recommendation against dairy consumption concerning female hormones. On the other hand, there is robust research supporting the positive impact of dairy consumption on various aspects of health, including bone health, heart health, and weight management. For further information, please refer to our webpage on Dairy Health Benefits.