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Hormone Exposure in Kids: Swedish Doctor Warns of Serious Risks

Skin-to-skin contact with parents using hormone gels can have serious consequences for young children. A Swedish doctor warns of the risks.

There is a baby in the picture wearing clothes and there is cloth around the baby's head. The baby...
There is a baby in the picture wearing clothes and there is cloth around the baby's head. The baby is keeping his/her hand in the mouth.

Hormone Exposure in Kids: Swedish Doctor Warns of Serious Risks

A Swedish doctor, Dr. Henrik Sjöström, has reported at least six cases of young children unintentionally exposed to hormones, leading to significant physical changes. One such case involves a baby girl who developed male-like genitalia after skin-to-skin contact with her father who had applied testosterone gel.

The baby girl's parents first noticed changes in her genitalia at 10 months old. They sought medical help and discovered that the baby had been exposed to testosterone through close contact with her father's chest, where he had applied the hormone gel. This exposure led to her clitoris elongating and her labia fusing, resembling male genitalia.

In another case, a 10-year-old boy developed breasts after coming into contact with estrogen cream his mother had been using. These incidents highlight the potential risks of hormone exposure, especially for young children.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) prescriptions in the US have surged from 7.3 million in 2019 to over 11 million in 2021, according to CBS News. While TRT can help manage symptoms of low testosterone, it can also have side effects such as acne, fluid retention, and reduced fertility. The Mayo Clinic advises users to wash their hands and rinse the treated area to avoid accidental exposure.

Professor Jovanna Dahlgren, a pediatric endocrinologist at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, has seen at least six similar cases involving young children exposed to hormone medication through close contact with a parent. These cases underscore the importance of careful handling and storage of hormone medications.

Accidental hormone exposure in children can lead to significant, and sometimes irreversible, physical changes. Healthcare providers and parents must be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions to prevent such incidents. Further research and public awareness campaigns may be needed to ensure the safe use of hormone therapies.

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