For the past years, Scientists believe that there are chemicals found in the drinking water which do not naturally belong there. With several tests on the tap water and through the observation of the ill effects of the fishes in the rivers, experts have proven that indeed the condition of water sources are becoming alarming.
In one case, it has been found out that the water source is now contaminated by estrogen. Fishes do now have male and female sexual organs. Now, the male fishes’ fertility has decreased until the freshwater fish species have been extinguished.
Thus, this article aims to explain the drinking water conditions we have today. This will unveil if whether or not the water has estrogen and other hormones on it.
Also, this will tackle what are the remedies available in eliminating harmful hormones in the water and make it safe for consumption for the whole family.
The Presence of Estrogen in the Water
In 2012, researchers found out that it would take around 30 billion Euros to eliminate the presence of estradiol in the water.
The Estradiol is a type of estrogen. According to studies, more than 2.5 billion women are using contraceptive pills which are flush down at the toilets and into the water supply.
Furthermore, scientists have found out that there is 80% of this hormone in more than 50 sites that underwent tests.
The water suppliers, individual households, and authorities are not keen on the clean-up efforts of concerned agencies. Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical industries are very active in fighting against the issue for fear of decreasing global sales in the market.
There are studies both in the United States and Europe that show the water to be positive in pharmaceuticals. These include ACE inhibitors, antidepressants, antibiotics, beta-blockers, carbamazepine, fibrates, painkillers, and tranquilizers.
Also, there are alarming amounts of antidepressants in the brains of several freshwater fishes. Indeed, finding synthetic health can be a little bit pricey.
Hormones and Pharmaceuticals
Nowadays, several experts are worried more about hormones versus general pharmaceuticals. This is because one needs to have high concentrations of medication before one gets affected. However, with hormones, even small amounts can have an impact on the body.
On the other hand, experts have warned the public that this is not always true. Yes, hormones can affect the body even at low levels compared to pharmaceuticals. However, when one consumes drinking water contaminated with drugs for decades, it can still be harmful to the body.
For example, if you drink around three liters of tap water with drug contamination each day, one can more likely consume the same amount of a prescribed done in one lifetime.
It is true that researchers can now understand the effects of the prescribed dosage of medicine. However, they do not yet understand the permanent presence of drugs in the bloodstream.
Each generation, the consumption with synthetic medication tends to rise. As such, the number of drugs in the water will surely increase in the coming years.
Finally, the drugs that people consume in the water are now mixed with all others. Then, it creates a unique chemical which has not been studied by science.
Experts are now conducting several studies to prove if indeed the condition is harmless. Today, one cannot easily conclude that the chronic consumption of drugs in the water is totally safe.
Examples of Hormones in the Water
Estrogen is known as a group of steroid hormones which promote the maintenance and development of characteristics of the female body.
Estrogen appears in the drinking water in the form of estradiol. It is the most potent form of estrogen, and it can enter the water supply via contraceptive pill which women excrete through urine or feces.
One health concern of the chronic consumption of this hormone is that it can affect the sexual development of pre-pubescent teenagers. The body of these group of children relies much on the presence of the regulated amounts of female and male hormones for the development of the appropriate sexual characteristics on the specific period of time.
Another health concern can greatly affect men. With the water consumption contaminated with estrogen, they can possibly develop more breast tissues versus their peers in the previous generations. With this, they can struggle with abnormal development and functioning of the prostate.
According to studies, these hormones can cause infertility to the fishes. As such, it can be possible that it can cause the same with humans.
Finally, there are researchers that show that the estrogen in the drinking water can be responsible for the aggressive behavior of men.
A Very Active Hormone: Progesterone
The progesterone is a hormone being released by the female body organs. It helps in regulating the regular menstrual cycle. Also, it plays a crucial role in the development of the mammary glands. Furthermore, it stimulates the uterus which prepares women during pregnancy. On the other hand, progesterone is also found in the body of males.
Among the multiple functions of progesterone, it also helps in the normal development of neurons in the brain. It regulates the neurotransmission within the nervous system, fights inflammation, relaxes the muscles of the body, helps in regulating the release of insulin in the pancreas, and boost the operation of serotonin brain receptors.
Indeed, the body tissues include high levels of progesterone receptors in it which makes it a highly active hormone.
When used as a drug, progesterone is used to prevent pregnancy among women. It is also used by medical experts in inducing immediate abortion. Furthermore, progesterone as a drug is being used as a treatment in the delay of menstruation, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.
Meanwhile, the effects of the high levels of this type of hormone need more studies since it is poorly understood. However, with the receptors and functions, the effects can be far-reaching.
The Effects of Testosterone
Testosterone also plays a major role in both female and male bodies. However, it occurs in large amount among the bodies of the male since it aids in their physical development.
Apart from this, testosterone plays in the protein synthesis in the body just like in the muscle tissues. As such, female bodybuilders or weightlifters who are taking testosterone supplements can have a high risk of developing deeper voices and having some facial hair.
Furthermore, high levels of testosterone are known to cause to develop the risk-taking behavior of women and men. It can cause larger brains in men. Finally, testosterone studied to be one of the major factors in causing anti-social behavior in both men and women.
Today, the United States Federal Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all drugs that have progesterone on it must have a warning that states that it can cause pulmonary embolism and thrombosis.
For women, studies are being conducted if indeed testosterone can increase the chances of having cancer.
