Articles in the Men’s Health Category
Posted in General Health, Healthy Lifestyle, Men's Health on 1 February 2007
Some natural shampoos have been found to contain chemicals, called essential oils, which have led to breast growth in men and boys. According to study Lavender and tea tree oils which are occur in shampoos, lotions and soaps can temporarily enlarged breasts in boys.
This condition is called gynecomastia, rare but the chances boost if the above listed products are used. The study reported on the boys, ages 4, 7 and 10. When they stopped taking these things they all went back to normal.
This report raises an issue of concern, since lavender oil and tea tree oil are sold over the counter in their ‘pure’ form and are present in an increasing number of commercial products, including shampoos, hair gels, soaps, and body lotions.
Dr. Clifford Bloch, a hormone specialist in Greenwood Village, Colo., who treated the three boys, recommended that parents “be cautious” with such products, especially for prolonged use. “I would not give these products to my children,” he said in an interview.
“It takes very little estrogen to cause gynecomastia in a young child,” said Dr. Richard Auchus, a University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center hormone expert who knew of the study findings. “If they’re getting it for a brief period of time, that really shouldn’t cause long-term problems.”
