For some time now, some types of epilepsy have been reported in childrenmedical cannabistreated. However, doctors are now warning that such treatment can have an impact on the children's hormonal balance. The testosterone level increases - the result is premature puberty. The doctors issued the warning in the journal BMJ Case Reports after using medical cannabis to treat a 2-year-old patient. Studies have previously shown evidence that cannabis consumption is associated with increased testosterone levels.
Epilepsy in Children – How Cannabis Affected a 2-Year-Old
The 2-year-old patient has suffered from epileptic seizures since birth - over 20 per day, as the boy's mother explains. The treatment withmedical cannabis oiltook effect quickly and reduced the seizures to 5 daily. But after just a month of use, the mother noticed further changes. Her son showed physical changes typical of puberty. They also included genital enlargement and body hair growth. After some tests, doctors discovered that the boy's testosterone levels were abnormally high. Doctors then treated the boy with medication that suppresses the effects of these male reproductive hormones. So is medical cannabis not a suitable treatment for epilepsy in children?
Medical cannabis oil not suitable for children?
The doctors who wrote the report noted that research on the effectiveness of cannabis oilReducing the frequency of seizures in epilepsywas mainly carried out in the laboratory and not on humans. “Further research into the effects of cannabis use on human hormonal markers and clinical outcomes is needed and expected as cannabis continues to be legalized in more countries,” they say. They also emphasize that the case of the 2-year-old boy is a case report and that there have been no reports of previous cases of early puberty associated with cannabinoid consumption.
However, doctors should be aware of the possible hormonal consequences of cannabis use in order to better monitor and control them. “Until a more robust evidence base is established, clinicians should be cautious about the hormonal effects of cannabis products, especially since children with brain abnormalities are more susceptible to these effects.”
