Laura

In the United States, growth hormones are legal to use on cattle.  Growth hormones are used to speed up the growth process in cattle on their way to the slaughterhouse.  Over 90 percent of cattle are injected or consume growth hormones. 

There are 6 growth hormones that are FDA approved.  Out of the 6 growth hormones that are legal only 3 can be naturally found in the body of a cow or a human.  The 3 naturally produced hormones are the following:  estradiol, testosterone and progesterone.  The other 3 growth hormones are made synthetically and are as follows:  trenbolone acetate, melengestrol acetate and zerol.  Two of the 6 hormones are considered to be carcinogens by the National Institutes of Health.  Estradiol (a type of estrogen) and progesterous may cause cancer.  Research is still being conducted, but growth hormones have already been banned from several countries, including Europe.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) tests cattle for synthetic hormones and illegal hormones, but cannot test for naturally produced hormones found in the body because the animal will always test positive.  It is hard to determine exactly how many farmers are using illegal growth hormones on their cattle.  The USDA does there best to prevent the usage of growth hormones, but sometimes their best is not enough.

There are alternatives to eating meat that has been exposed to growth hormones.  Organic meat does not contain any growth hormones and is very safe to consume, but it is expensive to purchase.  Another option is to become a vegetarian, that’s a little too extreme for most people, but vegetarians do not have to worry about growth hormones in meat.  Basically, all anyone can do is be aware of what you are consuming; your body will thank you in the long run.