A reported case from Sweden has brought attention to the potential risks of topical testosterone gel exposure in children. A baby girl developed male genitalia-like features after skin-to-skin contact with her father, who was undergoing testosterone replacement therapy. Experts now warn parents about accidental hormone transfer during routine bonding practices.
How did Baby Girl Develop Micropenis?
Skin-to-skin contact, also called kangaroo care, is a widely practiced method used by new parents to bond with their babies. It helps regulate the baby’s body temperature, heart rate, and breathing. In this case, a father undergoing testosterone replacement therapy held his newborn daughter on his bare chest multiple times.
Testosterone Gel Caused Unintentional Exposure
The father had applied testosterone gel to his chest as part of his treatment for hypogonadism. This condition is marked by low testosterone production, which can lead to fatigue, low libido, and other symptoms. The gel, when in contact with skin, can transfer testosterone to others. The baby unknowingly absorbed it.
Also Read: Ozzy Osbourne & Family Net Worth: Black Sabbath lead vocalist’s earnings, early life, children, family and their net worth
Physical Changes Appeared in Baby Girl
As the exposure continued, the baby girl’s clitoris started to enlarge. Her labia began to fuse, making her genitals resemble those of a male. Concerned, the parents brought her to a doctor. Blood tests revealed elevated testosterone levels, confirming the hormone transfer as the cause.
Doctor Reports Similar Cases
Professor Jovanna Dahlgren, a pediatric endocrinologist at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, said she has seen at least six similar cases, as per media reports. One involved a 10-year-old boy who developed breasts after being exposed to estrogen cream from his mother. Dahlgren explained that many people do not realize how powerful hormone medications can be.
How Did Symptoms Reverse?
Once the father stopped using the testosterone gel and ceased direct contact, the baby’s hormone exposure ended. Over time, her genitals began to return to normal. While the incident caused panic among the parents, no permanent damage was reported in this case.
Also Read: Ozzy Osbourne Cause of Death: Black Sabbath lead singer dies at 76. See family's complete statement
TRT Use Growing Rapidly
The case highlights a broader trend in testosterone replacement therapy use. In the United States, TRT prescriptions rose from 7.3 million in 2019 to over 11 million in 2023, according to CBS News. Many men now use TRT for energy, muscle gain, or sexual health.
Hormone Therapy Gains Popularity Online
Celebrities like Sylvester Stallone, Josh Duhamel, Joe Rogan, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have spoken about using TRT. On TikTok, the hashtag “TRT Before and After” shows users in their 20s and 30s promoting its benefits. However, experts stress the importance of caution and medical supervision.
Experts Urge Proper Gel Use to Prevent Transfer
TRT comes in various forms, including pills, patches, injections, and gels. The Mayo Clinic advises users of testosterone gel to wash hands thoroughly after applying and to rinse the application area before skin contact with others. This helps avoid accidental hormone exposure, especially around infants and children.
FAQs
What happened to the Swedish baby girl exposed to testosterone gel?
She developed male genitalia-like features after repeated skin contact with her father, who had used testosterone gel on his chest.
How can testosterone gel affect children through contact?
Testosterone gel can transfer through skin-to-skin contact, potentially altering a child’s hormonal development and causing physical changes.
How did Baby Girl Develop Micropenis?
Skin-to-skin contact, also called kangaroo care, is a widely practiced method used by new parents to bond with their babies. It helps regulate the baby’s body temperature, heart rate, and breathing. In this case, a father undergoing testosterone replacement therapy held his newborn daughter on his bare chest multiple times.Testosterone Gel Caused Unintentional Exposure
The father had applied testosterone gel to his chest as part of his treatment for hypogonadism. This condition is marked by low testosterone production, which can lead to fatigue, low libido, and other symptoms. The gel, when in contact with skin, can transfer testosterone to others. The baby unknowingly absorbed it.Also Read: Ozzy Osbourne & Family Net Worth: Black Sabbath lead vocalist’s earnings, early life, children, family and their net worth
Physical Changes Appeared in Baby Girl
As the exposure continued, the baby girl’s clitoris started to enlarge. Her labia began to fuse, making her genitals resemble those of a male. Concerned, the parents brought her to a doctor. Blood tests revealed elevated testosterone levels, confirming the hormone transfer as the cause.Doctor Reports Similar Cases
Professor Jovanna Dahlgren, a pediatric endocrinologist at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, said she has seen at least six similar cases, as per media reports. One involved a 10-year-old boy who developed breasts after being exposed to estrogen cream from his mother. Dahlgren explained that many people do not realize how powerful hormone medications can be.How Did Symptoms Reverse?
Once the father stopped using the testosterone gel and ceased direct contact, the baby’s hormone exposure ended. Over time, her genitals began to return to normal. While the incident caused panic among the parents, no permanent damage was reported in this case.Also Read: Ozzy Osbourne Cause of Death: Black Sabbath lead singer dies at 76. See family's complete statement
TRT Use Growing Rapidly
The case highlights a broader trend in testosterone replacement therapy use. In the United States, TRT prescriptions rose from 7.3 million in 2019 to over 11 million in 2023, according to CBS News. Many men now use TRT for energy, muscle gain, or sexual health.Hormone Therapy Gains Popularity Online
Celebrities like Sylvester Stallone, Josh Duhamel, Joe Rogan, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have spoken about using TRT. On TikTok, the hashtag “TRT Before and After” shows users in their 20s and 30s promoting its benefits. However, experts stress the importance of caution and medical supervision.Experts Urge Proper Gel Use to Prevent Transfer
TRT comes in various forms, including pills, patches, injections, and gels. The Mayo Clinic advises users of testosterone gel to wash hands thoroughly after applying and to rinse the application area before skin contact with others. This helps avoid accidental hormone exposure, especially around infants and children.FAQs
What happened to the Swedish baby girl exposed to testosterone gel?
She developed male genitalia-like features after repeated skin contact with her father, who had used testosterone gel on his chest.
How can testosterone gel affect children through contact?
Testosterone gel can transfer through skin-to-skin contact, potentially altering a child’s hormonal development and causing physical changes.
