Contraceptive pills Linked to Gender Changes in Fish, New Research Reveals
Oslo, Norway – A new study published in the Journal of the Norwegian Medical Association has found that hormones from contraceptive pills and estrogen supplements are causing gender changes in fish, disrupting ecosystems and raising concerns about antibiotic resistance. The findings, reported Monday by Norwegian broadcaster NRK, highlight the growing problem of pharmaceutical pollution in marine environments.
The research indicates that exposure to these hormones can lead fish to develop sexual characteristics of the opposite sex and experience premature puberty, impacting reproductive cycles and overall ecosystem health. Researcher Ida Bathe Overjordet, who has conducted studies in the Arctic Ocean, emphasized that “For marine life, remains of antibiotics and hormones are the most harmful.”
Beyond hormonal disruption, the study also points to the presence of antibiotic residues in the ocean contributing to the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Overjordet warned that this poses a threat not only to marine life but also to human health, stating, “If you get a wound while swimming and resistant bacteria penetrate the wound, the treatment cannot be effective.”
Pharmaceutical pollution is a global issue, with drug residues detected even in remote ocean areas. Overjordet stressed that even low concentrations of pharmaceuticals can have important consequences, as some organisms are highly sensitive to these substances. She also noted the varying degradation rates of medications, with some breaking down quickly while others persist in the surroundings for extended periods.
The study underscores the need for greater awareness and mitigation strategies to address the increasing presence of pharmaceutical compounds in our waterways.
© turksemedia.nl – All rights reserved | AA | Published: 01-09-2025
