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Not sure where else to put this (tea tree oil/testosterone issue)

post #1 of 10
4/7/12 at 9:11pm
Thread Starter 
Hello everyone,

This is kind of a two-part question. First and foremost, I'm a 19 year old male. I'm kinda chubby, and I have a boyish appearance. I don't really have much facial hair yet, and I still have a lot of baby fat. I also still have acne, and I don't have armpit hair yet.

I've found that The Body Shop's Tea Tree line for the face works REALLY well for me in keeping acne at bay. However, I've heard that tea tree oil can lower testosterone and increase estrogen.

Now, I really really wanna try to get chiseled, grow facial hair, get a deeper voice, etc - I'm a "late bloomer". So, I was wondering, do you think I've still got a ways to go? My dad was a bit of a late bloomer himself and he turned out fine. All the males in my family don't seem to have testosterone issues. Also, will the tea tree oil inhibit that?

Thanks in advance,

Tony

P.S. here's a picture of me for reference.

Attachment 12892
LL
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post #2 of 10
4/7/12 at 9:18pm
I would just let the course of events take their natural time. Some men experience hormonal change slower than others. I don't think at 19 there's cause for alarm or concern. Just my two cents.
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post #3 of 10
4/8/12 at 1:22am
Maybe if you stopped taking such pictures.... just kidding..... not really lol

Other than natural bodily influences, attitude will certainly help.
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post #4 of 10
4/8/12 at 1:24am
Lavender oil is also supposed to be estrogenic.

I'd worry more about soy. You may think you aren't getting much soy if you aren't drinking soy milk or eating tofu or what have you, but soy protein is added to a lot of products. Anything you consume is going to have far greater hormonal impact than anything applied topically.
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post #5 of 10
4/8/12 at 2:06am
I use tea tree-oil based cosmetic and grooming products myself and I did not discover any long or short term effects on the hormonal balance. However, in my case, it may not be indicative, since I only started using these products comparatively late, after most or all my adult traits appeared and were visibly established since a few years, even a bit aged.
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post #6 of 10
4/8/12 at 6:21am
I don't know really (about tt oil) but there's only one study that seems to show some limited and uncontrolled correlation but causation is far from being proven.

The choice is yours.

If you're worried about being stereotypically manly then you probably need to start working out regularly, otherwise don't worry about it and let nature take it's course. Don't forget, you've got a lifetime of shaving once it starts (and it's a damn PITA!).

If you're actually concerned about low male hormone levels then you should go to a doctor and get tested.
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post #7 of 10
4/8/12 at 6:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by laph View Post

If you're worried about being stereotypically manly then you probably need to start working out regularly, otherwise don't worry about it and let nature take it's course. Don't forget, you've got a lifetime of shaving once it starts (and it's a damn PITA!).

If you're actually concerned about low male hormone levels then you should go to a doctor and get tested.

this
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post #8 of 10
4/8/12 at 6:52am
  • kbe
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From what I remember reading Tea Tree Oil is great as a topical anti-biotic, anti-fungal but not recommended by many for internal use due to some undesireable side effects.

At 19 my 'beard' was virtually non-existant. I went through my chubby period pre-puberty though. A stint in the military begining that year I went from a mildly fit 165 lb @ 6 foot tall to 180 lb and quite fit and far more muscular. Relax Grottola, get the usually recommended exercise, rest and good diet and nature will take over when it sees fit.
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post #9 of 10
4/8/12 at 7:00am
  • kbe
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Hmmm..Basenotes is not allowing me to edit a post this AM and add this, so..

"Tea tree oil is LIKELY SAFE for most people when put on the skin, but it can cause skin irritation and swelling. In people with acne, it can sometimes cause skin dryness, itching, stinging, burning, and redness.

Applying products to the skin that contain tea tree oil along with lavender oil might not be safe for young boys who have not yet reached puberty. These products might have hormone effects that could disrupt the normal hormones in a boys body. In some cases, this has resulted in boys developing abnormal breast growth called gynecomastia. The safety of these products when used by young girls is not known.

Tea tree oil is UNSAFE when taken by mouth. Dont take tea tree oil by mouth. As a general rule never take undiluted essential oils by mouth due to the possibility of serious side effects. Taking tree tea oil by mouth has caused confusion, inability to walk, unsteadiness, rash, and coma.

Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Tea tree oil seems to be safe when applied to the skin. But it should not be taken by mouth. Ingestion of tea tree oil can be toxic."--Web MD
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post #10 of 10
4/8/12 at 10:39am
Thread Starter 
Thanks so much for the help, everyone.
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Basenotes › Basenotes Forums › General Discussion › Off topic › Not sure where else to put this (tea tree oil/testosterone issue)