Prepubertal gynecomastia and chronic lavender exposure: report of three cases

Abstract

AbstractPrepubertal gynecomastia is a rare condition characterized by the growth of breast tissue in males as a consequence of early exposure to sexual hormones. When this condition is present, pathological sources of testosterone/estrogen production, such as adrenal or gonadal tumors must be searched for. A few reports have described an association between gynecomastia and substances that produce stimulation of the estrogen receptor, such as lavender and tea tree oil.Here we describe the cases of three boys who presented with prepubertal gynecomastia and were chronically exposed to lavender. Two of these boys were exposed to a cologne, namedWe studied a sample of the cologne used by one of the patients. Analysis of the chemical composition of theExposure to estrogenic substances, such as lavender, should be explored in children presenting with prepubertal gynecomastia/thelarche.