Human bitter taste receptors, long understood for their role in food preference, may have a surprising secondary function: detecting steroid hormones within the body, according to new research published in the *Annals of the New York Academy of sciences*. The study identifies two receptors, TAS2R14 and TAS2R46, as being particularly sensitive to these hormones, suggesting a potential link between taste perception and internal physiological processes [[2]]. these findings could reshape our understanding of how the body senses hormonal shifts during periods like pregnancy and stress, and may explain previously observed changes in taste during those times.
Even Tiny Hormone Amounts Trigger Bitter Taste Receptors, Study Finds
Our bodies may be detecting hormones through our sense of taste, according to a new study revealing that human bitter taste receptors are surprisingly sensitive to steroid hormones. The research, published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, suggests these receptors aren’t just for identifying potentially harmful foods – they also appear to function as hormone sensors within the body. Understanding this connection could offer new insights into how our bodies perceive hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or times of stress.
Researchers found that two specific bitter receptors, TAS2R14 and TAS2R46, showed a high level of sensitivity to steroid hormones. “The TAS2R14 receptor reacted to all test substances except 17α-Hydroxyprogesterone,” the study authors reported. “TAS2R46 was also activated by most of the substances, with the exception of the two plant-based ingredients genistein and stigmasterol.” This indicates that these two receptors can indeed sense human steroid hormones.
Notably, the bitter sensor TAS2R46 responds to even extremely low concentrations of these signaling molecules. “Several hormones activate this receptor at concentrations that can be reached in the blood, for example, during pregnancy or under stress,” explained a researcher. For example, saliva during stressful periods can contain approximately eight micromols of the stress hormone cortisol. The team determined this level is close to the concentration needed to achieve half-maximal activation of the TAS2R46 bitter taste receptor.
A Second Job for Bitter Receptors
These findings suggest our taste sensors for bitterness may have a secondary function. They not only warn us about potentially harmful foods but also act as hormone sensors throughout the body. Supporting this idea, the highly sensitive bitter sensor TAS2R46 is found in the ovaries, cervix, cerebellum, and pituitary gland – key areas involved in hormone regulation, researchers explained.
Interestingly, TAS2R46 is also present in adipose (fat) tissue. “This is significant because fat tissue, after the ovaries, is a major site for converting the intermediate product androstenedione into estrone and other estrogens,” the researchers stated. They hypothesize that the bitter receptor may monitor and regulate this process, potentially influencing overall hormone levels.
Could This Explain Taste Changes During Stress and Pregnancy?
The new insights may also explain why taste perception can change during times of stress and pregnancy. “During pregnancy, progesterone levels can increase more than a hundredfold,” the study authors wrote. It’s possible that the hormone-sensitive bitter receptors react to this surge in progesterone, creating a taste sensation. “This could also trigger physiological changes in taste,” the team suggested.
A similar phenomenon may occur during intense stress. Previous studies have shown that people perceive a saccharin solution as more bitter when stressed. These new findings suggest that our bitter sensors may be responding to stress hormones, creating an additional bitter taste.
Overall, the study reveals that bitter receptors likely do more than just transmit taste sensations. They could play a crucial role in our hormonal balance and its physiological effects – such as on blood pressure, heart function, or digestive activity. (doi: 10.1111/nyas.70172)
Source: Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology
January 29, 2026 – Nadja Podbregar
