---
title: "Dairy: Hormonally Helpful or Harmful?"
entity: "blog"
canonical_url: "https://www.drlizaklassen.com/blog/dairy-hormonally-helpful-or-harmful"
markdown_url: "https://www.drlizaklassen.com/llms/blog/dairy-hormonally-helpful-or-harmful"
lastmod: "2022-12-01T23:44:00.000Z"
---

This is a commonly asked question I get in practice and the answer unfortunately is not a black and white, yes or no.  So I've decided to break it down based on condition/symptom and share the best evidence to help you make the decision that's right for you and your body. 

## Dairy and Endometriosis

Helpful, except for butter. Based on population-level studies, there is a general recommendation to increase your low-fat dairy and dairy protein (think whey or greek yogurt!) in general. Women and adolescents who consume 1-2 dairy products per day such as yogurt have a lower risk of endometriosis. Butter has been shown to increase the risk of endometriosis. This is the only dairy product that appears to worsen endometriosis. 

## Dairy and Fertility 

Helpful, but consider other healthy fats first. Dairy intake, specifically full-fat dairy products, has been shown to have a positive impact on fertility. Prospective cohort studies found that a high intake of low-fat dairy products may lead to an increase in the women’s risk of ovulation-related infertility, whereas incorporating more high-fat dairy foods may decrease the risk for infertility. We know that a low-fat diet (in general) increases the risk of anovulatory cycles. Consider increasing other high-quality fat sources (think nuts, olive oil, avocado) to help restore ovulation and hormone production.  

## Dairy and PMS

Helpful, because it's a primary source of Calcium for most women. We know that women with diets low in dietary dairy have lower calcium levels (which naturally fluctuate through the cycle and dip before our periods) and worse PMS symptoms. AND we know that when we give women with low dairy intake and PMS symptoms calcium, their symptoms improve. Do you have to start drinking milk if you experience PMS? No...but ensuring calcium adequacy is important. ⁠

## Dairy and PCOS

Likely harmful, especially if you experience acne. Dairy directly increases DHT (a strong androgen) production in the skin, which is the underlying trigger for acne in PCOS. For many patients with PCOS & acne, lowering dairy intake and improving overall nutrition, patients may see a benefit in the frequency of acne spots and the severity of acne.

## Dairy and Acne

Harmful, until we decrease the dose. Even in patients without PCOS, dairy increases DHT and oil production in the skin which triggers the development of acne. For most people, avoidance of dairy is the only support they need to keep the inflammation in their skin low and acne under control. 

## Other Considerations for Dairy and Hormonal Health

DOSE MATTERS - It appears that patients who eat dairy less than daily (meaning 6 servings per week) may have less severe acne than patients who have dairy daily. Some research suggests that less than 3 times per week may be an optimal dose. 

LIFESTYLE MATTERS - Patients who exercise, eat vegetables and who use other acne treatments are not as affected by dairy intake. You may be able to reintroduce dairy when other parts of your health plan are achieved, or if your acne is treated from multiple angles. 

Is dairy good for ME? Only YOU can answer this one. 

How does it feel in your body? Do you notice GI symptoms (like bloating, gas, loose stools?), does your acne or period pain worsen when you eat it regularly? Is there a certain AMOUNT of dairy (ex. 1 serving/day) or type of dairy (ex. Fermented options like kefir) that feels good for you? I   will never tell you to eliminate something completely from your diet. Not my style. I’ll give you the information and then you get to take responsibility and make the decision that feels right for you.

About the Author

## Dr. Liza Klassen, ND

A fertility-focused ND who bridges the medical and emotional aspects of fertility, recognizing that the journey to conception is not solely clinical but also deeply personal. She is passionate about helping her patients achieve and maintain healthy pregnancies whether natural or assisted and works collaboratively with reproductive endocrinologists and ART team to deliver high-quality & efficacious care.

Watch how Dr. Liza can Help