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Theunicornhunter

Exploding the Estrogen Myth

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I just read an interesting book - the actual title "The Greatest Experiment Ever Performed on Women" subtitle: Exploding the Estrogen Myth. Author Barbara Seaman.

 

While it may sound like a book of primary interest to women I think it was a good overview of how the drug industry works. (not in the publics best interest) And it was activists in women's health that led to those inserts you now get with all medication that tell you of all potential side effects.

 

Some insights from the book, when women first starting taking "the pill" no one told them about the potential for stroke, blood clot etc. And for years HRT was promoted for things that it was never really shown to help - like osteoporosis.

 

A very interesting book and I think the writer tries to remain neutral. She stresses that women should study and ask questions of their doctors before taking medication and make informed decisions regarding their health.

 

She even discussed the effects of synthetic hormones in our food and water supply - I wouldn't be surprised how many health issues can be related to those increased hormone levels.

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I wonder if the weight gain in America has lot to do with hormones inject in to cattle.

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I wonder if the weight gain in America has lot to do with hormones inject in to cattle.

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I'm convinced that it plays a part - that's why they're given the injections to make them fatter. And we're seeing so many problems with children that something has to be going on.

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I have to agree with you on this. I was in the process of studying Premarin when the insurance company approved my trying Lupron Depot to treat the Endometriosis instead of my having a Hysterectomy. Upon my doctor scheduling the surgery to do a complete Hysterectomy on me, he gave me a VHS tape from a drug company that promoted the use of Premarin as a HRT. I. before seeing it, decided that it wasn't for me and even after viewing the tape still decided there was no way I was going to use that stuff not even in its lowest dose. It's made from pregnant horse urine! I have am going the more nature route and getting my estrogen from plants.

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There are other types of manufactured estrogen besides premarin - I think a synthetic version of human estrogen- and there are plant estrogens. But plant estrogens are still estrogens and there could still possibly be a cancer link with long term use - it just hasn't been studied. I did however, read in another source that plant estrogens are linked to a higher incident of breast lumps.

 

It's a good idea to research all medicines - even the "natural" ones before using them.

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There is way too much tampering with our body chemistry. Any tampering at all isn't good. I'm so glad some people in here are realizing this. Your body is the way it is for a reason. If you let other people tell you what to put in your body, I feel sorry for you. It's YOUR body, you only get ONE. And once something is in there, you can't get it out. :huh: They tell you it comes out but not totally, and it can continue doing harmful things to you. Once you've messed up one of your VITAL systems, it's too late. AND it's NOT to profit YOU. It's to PROFIT someone else's pocketbook.:yes: That's ALL it's about.

 

Here I go again on Advertising :frusty: I saw this commercial on T.V. the other day. It went like this...............

 

"YOU CAN'T SCHEDULE YOUR HEART-ATTACK. :o OUR HOSPITAL HAS CARDIAC SPECIALISTS AT THE HOSPITAL 24 HOURS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK."

 

Talk about SCARE-TACTICS!!!!!! Like EVERYONE IS "DEFINATELY" GOING TO HAVE A HEART-ATTACK.

 

AND everytime I turn around I am listening to someone telling me how sick I am. On the radio and on television. It's "BRAIN-WASHING"!!!! CONVINCE PEOPLE THEY ARE SICK AND THEY BUY YOUR PRODUCTS!!!! :yes: "THIS MAKES ME SICK"!!!!! :angry:

Edited by Jeanway

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Jeanway- I personally think, after my mother dying of a heat related problem, I personally think you can't take too many chances with your health. prevention is better than cure, so relying on a health service to provide checks is a great idea. If saying that you can't predict heart attacks (or heart failure in the case of my mother, who until 5 mins before her death showed no ill effects whatsoever) makes some one get a damn check good. If it prevents ONE person dying needlessly GOOD. I would rather have adverts that made people realise that they aren't as invinsible as they seem to believe they are, than have another family going through what mine is. My mother died of heart failure resultant from a condition that basic checks hadn't shown up. To suggest that advertising is scare tacticing to make people buy products, and not perhaps just raising the awareness of how truely fragile life is underestimating both the viewers intellect and perhaps the real purpose of some adverts.

 

Having said all that. I do believe that there, in America, is too much advertising for drugs. But I think there is a dearth of people saying "It'll never happen to me." that negates all the advertising. My mother died of a condition that can occure in ANYONE that includes NEWBORNS and ATHLETES. Personally I think people should keep a very close eye on their bodies, the body can betray you at any time.

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Exactly, Angel. :yes: I agree with what you just said. You can't take chances with your health. This is all I'm saying. But too many people take drugs that hurt them. I wish that your Mum was still here for you, I truely do. This wasn't aimed at you or your situation, honest, it wasn't.

 

I'm talking about the topic here that U.H. brought up. Alot of people are sold a "Bill of Goods", I'm just NOT buying it. :frusty:

 

How many times have you heard a drug was approved by the F.D.A. then a few years later there are reports of all sorts of terrible things that people have suffered because of that very drug and the drug is then recalled and all sorts of class action lawsuits follow? Then the truth comes out with all the horror stories?

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I'd have to agree with both of your recent comments.

 

My Mom has had difficulties with breast and ovarian cancer. Her oncologists strongly believe that they type of cancer she had in her breast can be tied to her high dosage birth control that she took in the 1960's.

 

I think they "overdo" in American medicine, which isn't right. Or at least the past history has been that way.

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How many times have you heard a drug was approved by the F.D.A. then a few years later there are reports of all sorts of terrible things that people have suffered because of that very drug and the drug is then recalled and all sorts of class action lawsuits follow? Then the truth comes out with all the horror stories?

 

 

:frusty: That's happening to me now with taking the Lupron Depot I have read and have been told horror stories about others that have used the drug. It like about 20 to 30% of the people that have taking it have suffered side effects and say their condition has come back even worse. I'm willing to take my chances with the drug in hopes of delaying the Hysterectomy another year or two. My time of been pain free for the first time in 8 years is worth it. In many ways Lupron Depot has saved my sanity as I'm not emotionally ready to lose my reproductive organs whether worked or not.

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I think BC raises an important point - even though some medications have side effects - the underlying condition may also be life threatening or make life unbearable. The book I read emphasized that everyone needs to research their options and make a decision based on their situation.

 

But be very cautious of drug companies.

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Well the history in my family is with fibroids.

 

Many don't realize they have them until their doctors give them the mandatory estrogen script, and then they have chronic difficulties, which I am sure you understand.

 

I think that it's wrong to just write a script so blindly.

 

Each person is an individual and I've learned from observation that medicine doesn't think this way.

 

I had fibroids so bad that it affected my ability to walk. Partial removal of reproductive organs, and I wish I'd done it sooner.

 

But that was MY situation. It worked best for me.

 

I strongly agree for everyone to educate themselves and not just take the "standard" blanket solution.

 

BTW-the surgery Condi Rice just had wouldn't have worked in my situation, although my doctor did present it.

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Female hormones are produced in other parts of the body. If a woman is afraid that losing the primary ones will make them less feminine, that's not entirely true. Let me research this a little and come back. O.K.? If THAT is one of your concerns let me see what I can show you. I'm still NOT in favour of surgery. But if you think someday you will do it, well, that's totally YOUR decision. I'll support you whatever you decide is best for you. :frusty:

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Well I certainly didn't think that.

 

But I do know those that have battled that idea, including my mother and sister.

 

Nightmares they had over it.

 

Researching the topic is the best option.

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Here's just an example of what I'm talking about. This is just a tiny list compared to the entire list. I just started looking:

 

Dangerous Medications

 

Viagra: drug for erectile dysfunction has caused 522 deaths as well as increased risk of heart attack, heart rhythm abnormalities, congestive heart failure, strokes, sudden low blood pressure and fainting.

Accutane: an acne drug that causes suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, suicides, severe birth defects, and miscarriage. It has also caused fatal pancreatitis and hepatitis.

Calcium channel blockers: blood pressure medication increases risk of stroke and heart attack

Celebrex: arthritis drug may lead to severe bleeding episodes

Depakote, Depacon, and Depakene - drug used for epilepsy, manic episodes in manic depression and as a migraine preventative.

Halcion: sleeping pill is highly addictive and commonly causes insomnia if used for more than 10 days

Hismanal: nondrowsy antihistamine causes abnormal heart rhythms, heart attack, death.

Immune Globulin Intravenous (IGIV): may cause severe kidney damage or kidney failure

Lamictal: an antiepileptic drug linked to a potentially fatal rash.

Lamisil: drug used for fingernail and/or toenail fungus may result in liver failure, some of these cases leading to death or liver transplant.

Lovanox (low molecular weight heparin): - blood thinner can cause long term and/or permanent paralysis

Mellaril: drug used for schizophrenia has been associated with heart rhythm abnormalities and sudden death.

Premarin: menopause medication increases risk of blood clots, stroke, gallbladder disease and has many other severe side effects.

 

*"Prempro (conjugated estrogens/ medroxyprogesterone tablets) and Premphase (conjugated estrogens/ medroxyprogesterone tablets) used to treat menopausal symptoms and as a preventative for osteoporosis. May cause many serious side effects."

 

Propulsid: a drug used for GERD and gastroparesis (delayed emptying of the stomach usually found in diabetics), caused severe heart rhythm abnormalities. It is still available but its use is restricted.

Ritodrine: anti-miscarriage drug ineffective and dangerous

Serentil: drug used for schizophrenia may cause serious heart rhythm abnormalities and sudden death.

Tasmar (tolcapone): a drug used for Parkinson's disease can cause acute liver failure.

Topamax: anti-epilepsy drug may cause serious eye damage and/or blindness

Trovan: an antibiotic that can lead to liver dysfunction &/or liver failure. Its use is restricted.

Zyvox: an antibiotic which can cause the cessation of the body's ability to make blood (myelosuppression) - a life-threatening condition.

Duract, pain reliever: withdrawn June 1998 Linked to 4 deaths and 8 liver transplants.

 

*We all already KNOW about this one: "Fenfluramine and Dexfenfluramine (Fen-Phen), appetite Suppressants: withdrawn September 1997 when studies found heart valve abnormalities occurred in 31% of patients tested."

 

Phenylpropanolamine: ingredient used in many cough and cold medications and over the counter weight loss medications increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

Posicor, blood pressure-lowering medication, banned June 1998. Risks include life-threatening interactions with at least 26 other medications.

Seldane, antihistamine, withdrawn March 1998. It caused rare but serious heart problems when taken with other drugs, mainly the macrolide class of antibiotics (such as erythromycin).

Rezulin: drug for diabetes caused severe liver damage and death.

Midazolam: within this medication, a dangerous drug precipitation with saccharin may cause serious adverse effects and/or death.

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Endocrine System

Functions:

The Endocrine system helps to regulate the body’s activities. It consists of a number of glands, which produce groups of chemical messages, called hormones. Hormones are released into the bloodstream, and are carried around the body, until they reach their destination.

 

Major parts and organs:

 

"The major organs of the endocrine system are the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus gland, the thyroid gland, the parathyroid glands, the adrenal glands, the pancreas gland, the teste glands(male), and the ovaries (female). The two most important glands are the pituitary and hypothalamus glands. These glands interact with the brain, the body, and each other. One of their vital functions is to control how many hormones other glands release."

 

"The thyroid gland is one of the main hormone- producing glands. It is found in the neck, below the larynx and consists of two lobes joined together. The parathyroid glands consist of four oval-shaped structures embedded in the thyroid gland. The adrenal glands are small hormonal glands that lie on top of the kidney. The outer part of the gland produces three hormones. The first hormone is to control the balance of minerals in your blood. The second hormone is steroids to regulate your metabolism. The third hormone is sex hormones for reproduction."

 

The inner part of the gland produces adrenaline. The pancreas is situated in your upper abdomen, just behind the stomach. It produces juices to aid digestion, and release insulin and gulcagon into the upper blood. The testes(male) are two glands which hang just outside the abdomen inside the scrotal sac. These glands produce a hormone called testosterone. These sex hormones control the development of the male reproductive organ, and the appearance of male characteristics at puberty. The ovaries(female) are two glands that are on either side of the uterus. These glands produce two female sex hormones, called estrogen and progesterone. These sex hormones control the development of the female reproductive organs, and the appearance of female characteristics at puberty.

 

Interactions with other systems:

The Endocrine system interacts with the Circulatory and Reproductive systems. The blood in the Circulatory system receives chemical messages, called hormones, that are released from your hormonal glands. Hormones travel in the bloodstream to wherever they are needed in the body. In the Reproductive system, the female menstrual cycle is stimulated by hormones released by the brain and reproductive organs. Also, male sexual characteristics are also produced by hormones released by the brain and reproductive organs.

 

Click For Spoiler
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Edited by Jeanway

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Read this if your interested:

 

Click For Spoiler

What you should know about adrenal fatigue.

 

by Marcy Holmes, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, Certified Menopause Clinician

 

Our patients' most common symptoms are fatigue, insomnia, weight gain, and depression. Does that sound like you? If so, your underlying problem may be adrenal stress.

 

Every woman who comes to our clinic with these symptoms gets an adrenal test. And the results - over thousands of cases - are remarkably consistent: only 1% have healthy adrenal function, while 99% suffer impaired function, ranging from significant adrenal stress to complete adrenal exhaustion.

 

The effects of adrenal dysfunction can be profound: fatigue and weakness; suppression of the immune system; muscle and bone loss; moodiness or depression; hormonal imbalance; skin problems; autoimmune disorders; and dozens of other symptoms.

 

The good news is that adrenal dysfunction can almost always be relieved. Let's look both at the problem and the solution.

 

The original, life-saving role of the adrenals. Think primitive for a moment. The basic task of your adrenal glands is to rush all your body's resources into "fight or flight". When healthy, your adrenals can instantly increase your heart rate and blood pressure, release your energy stores for immediate use, slow your digestion and other secondary functions, and sharpen your senses.

 

Let's emphasize two points about this healthy stress response. First, it takes priority over all other metabolic functions. Second, it wasn't designed to last very long.

 

Now for the life we live today. Unlike our ancestors, we live with constant stress. Instead of occasional demands followed by rest, we're constantly over-worked, under-nourished, exposed to environmental toxins, worrying about others - with no let-up.

 

Think primitive again: every challenge to the mind and body creates a demand on the adrenal glands. The list of challenges is endless: lack of sleep, a demanding boss, the threat of losing your job, financial pressures, personality conflicts, yo-yo dieting, relationship turmoil, death or illness of a loved one, skipping meals, reliance on stimulants like caffeine and carbs, digestive problems, over-exercise, illness or infection, unresolved emotional issues from our past or present.

 

The destructive side of cortisol. In its normal function, cortisol helps us meet these challenges by converting proteins into energy, releasing glycogen and counteracting inflammation. For a short time, that's OK. But at sustained high levels, cortisol gradually tears your body down.

 

Sustained elevated cortisol destroys healthy muscle and bone; slows down healing and normal cell replacement; coopts biochemicals needed to make other vital hormones; impairs digestion, metabolism and mental function; interferes with healthy endocrine function; and weakens your immune system.

 

Adrenal dysfunction may be a factor in many related conditions, including fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, premature menopause and others. It may also produce a host of other unpleasant symptoms, from acne to hair loss.

 

Why adrenal dysfunction is seldom detected. Conventional medicine is truly wonderful at treating disease-state conditions. Unfortunately its focus on drugs also tends to suppress early-stage symptoms rather than treat their underlying causes. This can have the effect of delaying treatment until a disease state has developed.

 

In the conventional standard of care, any cortisol level within a very broad range is considered normal, and anything outside that range indicates disease. In our practice, we measure cortisol at several points in the day to track the adrenals' day-night pattern (called the "diurnal rhythm") using a panel of simple saliva tests. We hope to see cortisol elevated in the morning to help you get going, lower but steady throughout the day to sustain energy, then fall in the evening to support restful sleep.

 

In the early stages of adrenal stress, cortisol levels will be too high during the day and continue rising in the evening. This is called "hyperadrenia". In the middle stages, cortisol may rise and fall unevenly as the body struggles to balance itself despite the disruptions of caffeine, carbs and other factors, but levels are not normal and are typically too high at night. In advanced stages, when the adrenals are exhausted from overwork, cortisol will never reach normal levels ("hypoadrenia").

 

Conventional medicine will detect only the extremes of these conditions, when damage to the adrenals has already occurred (Cushings Disease or Addisons Disease). Within those extremes, you can feel miserable and still be told your adrenals are normal. But by responding to early-stage symptoms, we can reverse the developing dysfunction.

 

Do you remember how you deserve to feel? In general, if you feel happy and well, have steady energy and emotions, sleep soundly 7-9 hours a night, wake up feeling rested, recover well from stress, and maintain a healthy weight without dieting, then your adrenals are probably doing well.

 

On the other hand, if your energy lags during the day, you feel emotionally unbalanced much of the time, you sleep poorly or less than 7 hours a night, can't lose excess weight even while dieting, use caffeine or carbohydrates as pick-me-ups — these are all red flags indicating adrenal dysfunction.

 

In most cases you can restore healthy adrenal function. The first step is to have a full physical to rule out disease or other factors. In our experience, women with mild to moderate cases of adrenal fatigue can see significant improvement through these steps:

 

Dietary changes to enrich your nutrition and reduce carbohydrates and stimulants. We also recommend the addition of high-quality nutritional supplements, including essential fatty acids from fish oil.

Stress reduction, including moderate exercise and taking more time for yourself. (It's helpful to make a list of your stressors, especially those that are constant.)

Get more rest. Your body needs time to heal.

Women with more severe symptoms, or who have reached complete adrenal exhaustion, usually need greater intervention. At our practice we use the steps outlined above with the added natural support of phosphorylated serines, low-dose compounded DHEA, ginseng and glycerated licorice. We personalize the therapy to each woman's symptoms and test results. (We urge you not to self-prescribe these substances, as they can have adverse health effects. Instead, find a practitioner who will guide you. See Next Steps, below.)

 

It's important to emphasize the role of emotional factors. Guilt, pain from past hurts, self-destructive habits, unresolved relationship problems — your past and present emotional experience may serve as an ever-present stressor. Dealing with these problems directly is much more beneficial than trying to compensate for the stress they create, in the same way that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

 

 

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Even though I read this I have serious suspisions about who exactly sponsored this study at Cornell University. Most of the answers to the questions were NOT conclusive. So if you read this do it with a critical eye. :frusty: See how they tap-dance around the issues. :yes:

 

Click For Spoiler

Consumer Concerns About Hormones in Food

 

 

This fact sheet addresses some of the consumer concerns that have been brought to BCERF regarding health effects of hormones used by the meat and dairy industries. Evidence available so far, though not conclusive, does not link hormone residues in meat or milk with any human health effect.

What are hormones?

 

Hormones are chemicals that are produced naturally in the bodies of all animals, including humans. They are chemical messages released into the blood by hormone-producing organs that travel to and affect different parts of the body. Hormones may be produced in small amounts, but they control important body functions such as growth, development and reproduction.

 

Hormones can have different chemistry. They can be steroids or proteins. Steroid hormones are active in the body when eaten. For example, birth control pills are steroid hormones and can be taken orally. In contrast, protein hormones are broken down in the stomach, and lose their ability to act in the body when eaten. Therefore, ordinarily, protein hormones need to be injected into the body to have an effect. For example, insulin is a protein hormone. Diabetic patients need to be injected with insulin for treatment.

 

Why are hormones used in food production?

 

Certain hormones can make young animals gain weight faster. They help reduce the waiting time and the amount of feed eaten by an animal before slaughter in meat industries. In dairy cows, hormones can be used to increase milk production. Thus, hormones can increase the profitability of the meat and dairy industries.

 

Why are consumers concerned about hormones in foods?

 

While a variety of hormones are produced by our bodies and are essential for normal development of healthy tissues, synthetic steroid hormones used as pharmaceutical drugs, have been found to affect cancer risk. For example, diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogen drug used in the 1960s was withdrawn from use after it was found to increase the risk of vaginal cancer in daughters of treated women. Lifetime exposure to natural steroid hormone estrogen is also associated with an increased risk for breast cancer (see BCERF Fact Sheet #9 Estrogen and Breast Cancer Risk: What is the Relationship?). Hence, consumers are concerned about whether they are being exposed to hormones used to treat animals, and whether these hormones affect human health. We try to address this complex issue based on scientific evidence that is currently available.

 

History of hormone use in food production

 

As early as the 1930s, it was realized that cows injected with material drawn from bovine (cow) pituitary glands (hormone secreting organ) produced more milk. Later, the bovine growth hormone (bGH) from the pituitary glands was found to be responsible for this effect. However, at that time, technology did not exist to harvest enough of this material for large-scale use in animals. In the 1980s, it became possible to produce large quantities of pure bGH by using recombinant DNA technology. In 1993, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the recombinant bovine growth hormone (rbGH), also known as bovine somatotropin (rbST) for use in dairy cattle. Recent estimates by the manufacturer of this hormone indicate that 30% of the cows in the United States (US) may be treated with rbGH.

 

The female sex hormone estrogen was also shown to affect growth rates in cattle and poultry in the 1930s. Once the chemistry of estrogen was understood, it became possible to make the hormone synthetically in large amounts. Synthetic estrogens started being used to increase the size of cattle and chickens in the early 1950s. DES was one of the first synthetic estrogens made and used commercially in the US to fatten chickens. DES was also used as a drug in human medicine. DES was found to cause cancer and its use in food production was phased out in the late 1970s.

 

What are the different hormones used now by the meat and dairy industries?

 

There are six different kinds of steroid hormones that are currently approved by FDA for use in food production in the US: estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, zeranol, trenbolone acetate, and melengestrol acetate. Estradiol and progesterone are natural female sex hormones; testosterone is the natural male sex hormone; zeranol, trenbolone acetate and melengesterol acetate are synthetic growth promoters (hormone-like chemicals that can make animals grow faster). Currently, federal regulations allow these hormones to be used on growing cattle and sheep, but not on poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks) or hogs (pigs). The above hormones are not as useful in increasing weight gain of poultry or hogs.

 

As mentioned earlier, FDA allows the use of the protein hormone rbGH to increase milk production in dairy cattle. This protein hormone is not used on beef cattle.

 

How are the hormones introduced into the animals?

 

Steroid hormones are usually released into the animal from a pellet (ear implant) that is put under the skin of the ear. The ears of the animals are thrown away at slaughter. Improper use of pellet implants in other parts of the animal can result in higher levels of hormone residues to remain in the edible meat. Federal regulations prohibit their use in this manner. Melengestrol acetate is also available in a form that can be added to animal feed.

 

Dairy cattle may be injected under the skin with rbGH. This hormone is available in packages of single dose injections to reduce chances of accidental overdose.

 

Do federal agencies monitor for the presence of these hormones in food?

 

Estradiol, progesterone and testosterone are sex hormones that are made naturally by animals. No regulatory monitoring of these hormones is possible, since it is not possible to separate or tell the difference between the hormones used for treatment from those made by the animal's own body. However, it is possible to detect residues of zeranol and trembolone acetate in the animal's meat. FDA has set the tolerance levels for these hormones. A tolerance is the maximum amount of a particular residue that may be permitted in or on food (see BCERF Fact Sheet #25 on Pesticide Residue Monitoring and Food Safety). The Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) monitors meat from cattle for zeranol residues. FSIS also monitors meats for DES residues from any illegal use (DES use is no longer permitted). In response to concern about cases of early puberty in Puerto Rico described below, a large number of meat samples were tested for hormone residues in the mid- to late 1980s. No zeranol or DES residues were found in the meat samples in this survey.

 

Do hormones remain in the milk or meat of treated animals?

 

The levels of naturally produced hormones vary from animal to animal, and a range in these levels is known to be normal. Because it is not possible to differentiate between the hormones produced naturally by the animal and those used to treat the animal, it is difficult to determine exactly how much of the hormone used for treatment remains in the meat or the milk. Studies indicate that if correct treatment and slaughter procedures are followed, the levels of these hormones may be slightly higher in the treated animal's meat or milk, but are still within the normal range of natural variation known to occur in untreated animals. Scientists are currently trying to develop better methods to measure steroid hormone residues left in edible meat from a treated animal.

 

Can steroid hormones in meat affect the age of puberty for girls?

 

Early puberty in girls has been found to be associated with a higher risk for breast cancer. Height, weight, diet, exercise, and family history have all been found to influence age of puberty (see BCERF Fact Sheet #8, Childhood Life Events and the Risk of Breast Cancer). Steroid hormones in food were suspected to cause early puberty in girls in some reports. However, exposure to higher than natural levels of steroid hormones through hormone-treated meat or poultry has never been documented. Large epidemiological studies have not been done to see whether or not early puberty in developing girls is associated with having eaten growth hormone-treated foods.

 

A concern about an increase in cases of girls reaching puberty or menarche early (at age eight or younger) in Puerto Rico, led to an investigation in the early 1980s by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Samples of meat and chicken from Puerto Rico were tested for steroid hormone residues. One laboratory found a chicken sample from a local market to have higher than normal level of estrogen. Also, residues of zeranol were reported in the blood of some of the girls who had reached puberty early. However, these results could not be verified by other laboratories. Following CDC's investigation, USDA tested 150 to 200 beef, poultry and milk samples from Puerto Rico in 1985, and found no residues of DES, zeranol or estrogen in these samples.

 

In another study in Italy, steroid hormone residues in beef and poultry in school meals were suspected as the cause of breast enlargement in very young girls and boys. However, the suspect beef and poultry samples were not available to test for the presence of hormones. Without proof that exposure to higher levels of steroid hormones occurred through food, it is not possible to conclude whether or not eating hormone-treated meat or poultry caused the breast enlargement in these cases.

 

Can eating meat from hormone-treated animals affect breast cancer risk?

 

Evidence does not exist to answer this question. The amount of steroid hormone that is eaten through meat of a treated animal is negligible compared to what the human body produces each day. The breast cancer risk of women who eat meat from hormone-treated animals has not been compared with the risk of women who eat meat from untreated animals.

 

Can drinking milk, or eating dairy products from hormone-treated animals affect breast cancer risk?

 

Once again, evidence does not exist to answer this question. Use of rbGH for dairy cattle has been in practice in US for only six to seven years. Breast cancer can take many years to develop. It is too early to study the breast cancer risk of women who drink milk and eat milk products from hormone-treated animals.

 

Can hormones that remain in milk affect human health?

 

Scientists at FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine have reviewed the studies submitted by the manufacturers of rbGH. FDA scientists have concluded that eating foods with slightly higher levels of rbGH would not affect human health. This is because the amount of rbGH that is in milk or milk products as a result of treatment of the animals is insignificant compared to the amount of growth hormone that is naturally produced by our bodies. Also, rbGH is a protein hormone and is digested into smaller fragments (peptides and amino acids) when eaten. The rbGH hormone used on dairy cattle is effective in promoting growth in cows, but does not work in humans. Scientists know that rbGH is not recognized as a hormone by human cells.

 

There are gaps in our knowledge about whether rbGH used to treat dairy cattle can cause indirect effects. These gaps lead to uncertainties and debates, some of which are addressed below.

 

What do we know about growth factors in milk of treated animals?

 

The wholesomeness of milk is not affected by rbGH treatment. However, some subtle changes do take place in the treated animal. The growth hormone typically acts by triggering the cells to make other chemicals, called growth factors. These growth factors actually cause the increase in growth rate and milk production. Milk from rbGH-treated cattle has been found to have slightly higher levels of the naturally produced protein called insulin-dependent growth factor-1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 is a protein, and is digested into smaller pieces in the stomach.

 

Scientists at FDA have considered the evidence from studies of cancer risk in people who have naturally high body levels of IGF-1. Higher levels of IGF-1 in blood have been found in women with breast cancer compared to women without breast cancer in the Harvard-based Nurses' Health Study. Scientists are investigating if IGF-1 is just present at higher levels in breast cancer patients or if it has a role in increasing the risk for the disease. In laboratory studies, breast cancer cells growing on a plastic dish, grow at a faster rate when bathed in a solution containing IGF-1. However, IGF-1 also plays an important role in helping normal cells grow. Hence, from these few studies, we cannot conclude whether or not IGF-1 increases breast cancer risk.

 

FDA scientists have concluded that IGF-1 in milk is unlikely to present any human food safety concern for the following reasons: 1) IGF-1 levels in cow's milk from untreated animals vary in nature, depending on the number of calves and the lactation stage; 2) IGF-1 is also present in human breast milk, at levels higher than in hormone-treated cow's milk; 3) IGF-1 in milk is not expected to act as a growth factor in people who drink it because it gets digested in the stomach; 4) IGF-1 needs to be injected into the blood to have a growth-promoting effect; and 5) increased IGF-1 levels in food are not expected to result in higher blood levels of IGF-1 in humans who eat the food.

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