A contaminant that is becoming increasingly prevalent in drinking water is residues from pharmaceutical drugs. It is happening through various avenues, such as the incorrect disposal of medication either in the toilet or sink. Hormones, which constitute some of the high-risk active substances in medicines, are continuously being detected in drinking water.

Like vitamins, hormones that the body no longer needs can be excreted through fecal matter or urine, and sometimes they get into the natural water cycle. Your doctor could prescribe hormones to remedy different conditions. These are some of the hormones in your tap water and why they might negatively affect your health.

1.Oestrogen

The doctor could prescribe this group of hormones to promote the maintenance and development of some characteristics in your body. If your tap water doesn’t go through water filters, this hormone could be present in the form of oestradiol. This is estrogen in its most potent form. These hormones mainly go into your water supply through residues of oral contraceptive pills excreted in your feces or urine.

2.Progesterone

Progesterone is a very active hormone that is naturally released by the female body, and it helps regulate the menstrual cycle. It also plays an essential role in stimulating the uterus to prepare it for pregnancy. This hormone is also found in the male body. Progesterone receptors are found in most of your body tissues which makes it a highly active hormone.

Because this hormone aids many functions in the body, it is commonly prescribed by doctors. However, progesterone hormones in water may elevate your body’s levels, causing a hormonal imbalance. This imbalance could lead to some health issues such as irregular periods.

3.Testosterone

Testosterone is present in males and females, but it occurs in more significant amounts in males. It is the hormone behind secondary sexual characteristics in men. The hormone also helps your body synthesize protein, for instance, building muscle tissue.

When there is testosterone in water, you risk experiencing an elevation of the levels in your body. This might lead to adverse effects such as irregular periods if you are a woman and increased brain size in men. Regardless of your sex, you are more likely to become increasingly aggressive and anti-social.

4.Glucocorticoids

This group of steroids includes dexamethasone and cortisol. They support your immune system, thus helping your body absorb glucose. They also promote cognition when in proper amounts. These hormones have also tested present in water samples taken from regular tap water.

When in excess, you might experience adverse negative effects, including diabetes and excessive weight gain. Excess glucocorticoids can also lead to osteoporosis and a reduction in bone density.

Hormones play essential functions in the human body as long as they are in the correct amounts. However, when they find their way into your water sources, they can disrupt your body functions, subsequently harming your health. To ensure your water is safe for drinking, choose a purification method that removes these toxic contaminants from your water.