There is a link between the use of certain essential oils and the development of gynecomastia or the abnormal increase of breasts in men, popularly known as man boobs.
Some essential oils interfere with the hormones in men
Lavender and tea tree oils interfere with hormones and could increase the risks of developing man boobs in young adults, according to a recent study presented at the annual Congress of the Society of Endocrinology, in Chicago, in the USA.
Lavender and tea tree oil are among the so-called essential oils that have become the most popular ones in the United States, as they are commonly used as alternatives to some medical treatments, for personal hygiene, or in aromatherapy.
Many products may contain essential oils that may cause gynecomastia or man boobs
Various companies sell various products containing these essential oils as soaps, lotions, shampoos, styling products, colognes, and detergents.
“We believed that essential oils are safe but they actually contain chemicals that can potentially act as endocrine disruptors,” says J. Tyler Ramsey of the North Carolina Institute of Environmental Sciences (USA).
J. Tyler Ramsey also reminded us that it is better to take precautions with the oils derived from plants, as they are found in many products such as lotions, shampoos, and hair products.
They are becoming more and more popular among alternative medicines.
The researchers analyzed eight components of these two essential oils and tested their interference with the sex hormones in men. They found that they were responsible for cases of gynecomastia in prepubertal boys who use these essential oils locally.
Even more important, according to the researchers, some of these oils may have carcinogenic effects.
In conclusion, men and in special the young boys should avoid applying essential oils. According to scientists, essential oils may cause gynecomastia or man boobs because they are interfering with the normal men hormones secretion.
