Medical professionals in Sweden issue alerts to parents on potential risks of hormone therapies following a newborn girl exhibiting signs of a 'micro penis' after treatment
In Sweden, a concerning trend has emerged as at least a dozen children have developed unexpected physical changes after being accidentally exposed to hormone gels and sprays. This alarming figure, according to Sweden's Medical Products Agency, Läkemedelsverket, includes 12 reports of "unintended hormone exposure affecting children" since 2019 [1].
The problem, however, is not limited to Sweden. Globally, there were 41 reports of suspected secondary exposure in children and adults involving oestrogen-containing medications between 2018 and 2025, and 66 reports linked to testosterone-containing products between 2004 and 2025 [2].
These hormones, which are prescribed to adults with hormone-related disorders, patients who have finished chemotherapy, and others, are potent steroids that affect DNA and protein expression, leading to altered body development even at low doses [3]. Examples of the serious effects include disrupted puberty, abnormal genital development, breast growth, accelerated bone growth, and mental health effects in children [4].
One such case involved a 10-month-old girl in Sweden who developed an enlarged clitoris resembling a small penis after lying on her father's chest, who was using a testosterone gel [1]. Another case involved a 10-year-old boy in Sweden who began growing breasts after exposure to his mother’s estrogen cream [2].
To reduce the risk of accidental exposure, Swedish doctors are urging parents to take several precautions. These include allowing hormone gels or creams to completely dry on the skin before any skin-to-skin contact with children, washing hands thoroughly after applying hormonal treatments, covering the application site with clothing, and avoiding holding or having children lie on areas where the medication has been applied [4].
Dr Jovanna Dahlgren, a chief physician in the department of Paediatrics at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, recommends quarterly injections for patients taking testosterone, patches and vaginal tablets as alternatives to oestrogen sprays, and applying topical treatments to areas unlikely to come into contact with children [3].
It is crucial to be vigilant for any signs of hormonal effects in children and seek medical advice promptly if suspected. These precautions are critical because accidental exposure can lead to irreversible changes and long-term health consequences in children [4].
References: [1] Sweden's Medical Products Agency (Läkemedelsverket) [2] Global data on hormone exposure in children [3] Interview with Dr Jovanna Dahlgren, chief physician in the department of Paediatrics at Sahlgrenska University Hospital [4] Paediatric endocrinologists' recommendations for parents using hormonal treatments
Children worldwide, influenced by global reports, have experienced serious health-and-wellness issues due to exposure to hormones from medications, such as chronic disorders, mental health conditions, abnormal genital development, disrupted puberty, breast growth, and accelerated bone growth. To prevent accidental exposure, especially for children, it is essential to follow health-and-wellness guidelines and seek medical advice promptly in case of suspected hormone exposure, as undergoing immediate treatment can help minimize long-term health-and-wellness consequences.
