Can lavender use cause breast enlargement in infants?

Lavender Use and Infant Breast Enlargement: Evidence and Recommendations

Yes, lavender products can cause breast enlargement (premature thelarche) in infants, and discontinuation of lavender exposure typically results in regression of breast tissue. 1

Evidence on Lavender and Breast Development

Documented Cases and Mechanisms

Recent evidence has documented several cases linking lavender exposure to abnormal breast development:

• Multiple case reports have shown premature thelarche (breast development) in prepubertal girls and gynecomastia in prepubertal boys following exposure to lavender-containing products 1
• In all documented cases, breast growth resolved after discontinuation of lavender-containing products 1, 2
• Laboratory studies have demonstrated that components of lavender oil have estrogenic and antiandrogenic properties 1

Hispanic Community Products

• "Agua de violetas," a cologne commonly used in Hispanic communities, has been specifically identified as containing lavender and associated with cases of prepubertal breast development 2
• Chemical analysis confirmed lavender as an ingredient in these products 2

Clinical Implications

Assessment of Lavender Exposure

When evaluating an infant with breast enlargement:

1. Specifically ask about all topical products used on the infant including:

   • Baby lotions, shampoos, and oils
   • Colognes (especially "agua de violetas" in Hispanic families)
   • Laundry detergents and fabric softeners
   • Room fragrances or diffusers

2. Determine duration and frequency of exposure

   • Daily use presents higher risk than occasional exposure
   • Products applied directly to skin likely pose greater risk than ambient exposure

Management Recommendations

For infants with breast enlargement:

1. Discontinue all lavender-containing products immediately 1, 2
2. Reassess breast development after 2-4 weeks of lavender avoidance
3. If breast enlargement persists despite lavender discontinuation, consider referral to pediatric endocrinology to rule out other causes

Important Caveats

• While the association between lavender and breast development is documented, the exact concentration needed to produce effects remains unknown 1
• Some cases of prepubertal breast development spontaneously regress regardless of intervention, making causality difficult to establish with certainty 3
• Other endocrine-disrupting chemicals may be present in personal care products and could contribute to breast development

Alternative Uses of Lavender in Infants

It's worth noting that lavender has been studied for other uses in infants:

• Lavender oil inhalation (aromatherapy) has shown benefits for reducing vaccination pain in infants 4
• A double-blind randomized controlled study found lavender scent effective for pain control in premature infants 5

However, these studies used inhalation rather than topical application, which may present different absorption profiles and risks.

Conclusion

When parents ask about lavender and infant breast development, advise them that:

1. Multiple case reports have linked lavender products to breast enlargement in infants
2. The condition typically resolves when lavender exposure is discontinued
3. Parents should avoid using lavender-containing products on infants, especially direct skin application
4. If breast enlargement occurs, discontinue all lavender products and monitor for resolution