Premature thelarche related to fennel tea consumption?
Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol.27, no.1-2, pp.175-179, 2014 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 27 Issue: 1-2
- Publication Date: 2014
- Doi Number: 10.1515/jpem-2013-0308
- Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
- Page Numbers: pp.175-179
- Keywords: Fennel tea, Isolated premature thelarche, Phytoestrogen
- Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: No
Abstract
Background: Isolated premature thelarche is the breast development in the absence of other secondary sex characteristics in prepubertal girls. Fennel is a plant which contains a phytoestrogen called anethole as an active ingredient. Case: Here, we report a case of a 12-month-old girl who showed breast development that became apparent in the last 3 months. Her medical history revealed that she was given two to three teaspoons of fennel tea by her mother every day for restlessness for the last 6 months. Isolated premature thelarche was diagnosed based on physical and laboratory findings. On follow-up, after cessation of fennel consumption, the breast development of the patient regressed gradually and became normal by the end of 1 year. Conclusion: Reporting this case, we want to emphasize the importance of awareness of fennel tea, a commonly used plant in babies, as a preventable cause of premature thelarche.