1995/12/01 by Patricia A. Zimmerman, Gary L. Francis, Merrily Poth · 38 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · #Cosmetics #Hormone #Internal medicine #Medicine #Pathology #Pediatrics #Physiology #Pubic hair #Secondary sex characteristic #Sexual Differentiation and Disorders
paper · doi:10.1093/milmed/160.12.628
published in Military Medicine 160(12), 628-630 (Oxford University Press)
openalex publication_date 1995/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
Exogenous hormone exposure can cause early sexual development, but only one report suggests that this may occur secondary to the use of hair-care products. This study evaluated the usage frequency and biological effects of hormone-containing hair-care products. We reviewed the records of 102 consecutive dependent children referred for evaluation of sexual precocity. Eight children (7.8%) were using these products. All eight were black (100%), compared to 57 (61%) of the 94 patients not using such products (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between these two groups in mean age, sex distribution, height, height standard deviation score, bone age:chronologic age ratio, or serum estradiol level. We conclude that exposure to hormones in hair-care products may be more frequent than expected and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of early sexual development in children.