Beer, Hormones, and Men: Controversial Claims Spark Public Debate

Beer consumption has once again become the subject of public controversy after statements made by Anatoly Glushchenko, a professor at the International Academy of Sobriety and a full member of the International Association of Psychoanalysts. In an interview with Abzats, he argued that beer allegedly increases the level of female hormones in the human body, leading to profound changes in men and women.

According to Glushchenko, even non-alcoholic beer contains hops, which he described as being rich in estradiol, a female sex hormone. He claimed that this substance may influence male physiology and behavior over time.

Claims About Hormonal Changes in Men

The professor stated that hops contain large quantities of phytoestrogens, compounds that can mimic estrogen in the body. As soon as they enter the human system, he asserted, they are converted into estradiol.

"Hops contain a gigantic amount of phytoestrogens. Once they enter the human body, they immediately turn into the female hormone estradiol. If this happens in a man, his voice becomes higher, his shoulders narrow, his stomach grows, his pelvis widens, he becomes fearful, and masculinity disappears. Moreover, men begin to attract him.”

He added that these changes, in his view, extend beyond physical traits and affect psychological and social behavior. According to his interpretation, prolonged beer consumption weakens what he described as traditional male characteristics.

Beer, Masculinity, and Public Perception

While the statements have drawn attention, medical researchers generally note that the hormonal effects of phytoestrogens in beer are significantly weaker than those produced naturally in the human body. Specialists often emphasize that moderate beer consumption has not been conclusively proven to cause the dramatic hormonal transformations described by Glushchenko.

Nevertheless, heavy alcohol intake is widely associated with other health risks for men, including weight gain, reduced testosterone levels, cardiovascular strain, and liver damage. Doctors frequently point out that alcohol abuse can indirectly influence hormone balance by disrupting metabolism and sleep, rather than through plant-based estrogens alone.

Impact on Families and Society

The public figure also argued that beer consumption undermines families by reducing self-preservation instincts and the desire to have children.

"Beer destroys families because people lose their instinct for self-preservation and their desire to continue the family line.”

He extended his claims to women as well, asserting that excessive beer consumption allegedly leads to social and moral degradation, a statement that has sparked strong criticism from commentators and social activists.

Political Discussion Around Beverage Advertising

The debate comes amid broader political discussions about regulating beverage advertising in Russia. Earlier, State Duma deputy Nikolai Novichkov told Abzats that lawmakers are considering a potential ban on advertising sugary and energy drinks.

Parliamentarians are also reportedly discussing whether non-alcoholic beer should be prohibited from being advertised on federal television channels and in the media, following restrictions similar to those applied to alcohol and tobacco.

The statements have fueled polarized reactions, ranging from support among advocates of strict sobriety to criticism from medical professionals who warn against presenting unverified claims as scientific fact.