Premature sexual development in children following the use of estrogen- or placenta-containing hair products

Clin Pediatr (Phila). 1998 Dec;37(12):733-9. doi: 10.1177/000992289803701204.

Abstract

Four African-American girls aged 14 months to 93 months developed breast or pubic hair 2 to 24 months after starting the use of estrogen or placenta-containing hair products. Discontinuing the use of the hair products resulted in regression of the breast or pubic hair. Serum gonadotropins and estradiol levels were variable. No other cause for early sexual development was noted in these girls.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Estrogens / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Hair / drug effects
  • Hair Preparations / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Placental Extracts / adverse effects*
  • Puberty, Precocious / chemically induced
  • Sexual Maturation / drug effects*

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • Hair Preparations
  • Placental Extracts