Lavender Oil & Male Hormones

The Effect

• The New England Journal of Medicine reports that a rare condition in young males known as prepubertal gynecomastia is caused by continued use of products containing lavender oil. Female and male hormones are affected, with the oil blocking androgen, the male hormone that inhibits breast tissue growth, and mimicking estrogen, the female hormone that stimulates the growth of breasts.

Forms

• Lavender oil is found in a variety of body products, including lotions, shampoos, soaps and hair gels. The pure form is also sold over the counter at many health food stores.

The Solution

• Although the breast growth in males is quite disturbing, it's easily countered. Once application of lavender oil has ceased, the hormones become balanced again, and the breast area returns to normal.