Text|Xianxian
When I first heard about spironolactone tablets, progesterone, and estradiol valerate tablets, many might not know what they are. However, their actual effect is to supplement female hormones and to treat anxiety during women’s menopause. In simple terms, these are issues exclusive to women, specifically targeting middle-aged women. But can you imagine a teenager taking these medications?
Recently, Mr. Wang from Zhejiang went to the relevant authorities to report that some pharmacies nearby were allegedly selling these medications to his 13-year-old son for profit, and while spending money is a minor issue, the more serious problem is that these pharmacies’ actions have ruined his son’s life.
Mr. Wang’s son, Wang Tuo (a pseudonym), is only 13 years old and currently in the first year of middle school. Recently, a teacher from his school called Mr. Wang to express concern about Wang Tuo’s odd behavior. Not only did he seem reluctant to go to the restroom, but many “strange” medications were also found in his backpack. The young teacher, not being very knowledgeable, continued to check his phone and discovered that these tablets are hormone medications for females.
This surprised Mr. Wang: “I am usually busy with work, and my child stays in school, so there are fewer opportunities to pay attention to him. I never knew he was taking medication, so I immediately asked my child, and the result was extremely devastating for me.”
It turns out that after turning 13, Wang Tuo suddenly began to develop physically, especially with male hair and features, which he had trouble adapting to. Logically, both boys and girls would have some psychological changes regarding this, but with time, they would gradually adapt, whereas Wang Tuo did not.
Wang Tuo then searched on his phone for “how to suppress these symptoms?” and thus discovered the existence of these medications. He went to the pharmacy with cash to buy them. Mr. Wang said: “My son went to many pharmacies to buy these drugs, but I never dreamt that these pharmacies would sell them directly to him. We usually need adult verification even to buy cold medicine; how could they do this just to make a little money?”
According to Wang Tuo, he started taking these male hormone-suppressive medications in July and continued until November when Mr. Wang found out. This four-month history of medication not only led to Wang Tuo developing a dependency but also caused severe atrophy of his primary sexual characteristics.
The hospital’s examination report reveals: “… After taking the medication for half a year, there were signs of ** development, reduced testicular size, and feminized voice…” This is no longer a developmental result that a boy should have.
At the same time, Wang Tuo’s mental health also deteriorated significantly; his reluctance to use the boys’ restroom is just one sign, and he became irritable with self-harming tendencies. His academic performance plummeted, and his parents had to bring him back home, taking leave to care for him.
Regarding his son’s behavior, Mr. Wang believes it could have been completely avoided, as from his child’s account, he was still in his school uniform when he went to buy these medications. However, the pharmacies completely failed to stop him and encouraged his requests. Moreover, Wang Tuo used cash, and they have no evidence.
Mr. Wang: “I asked every pharmacy, but only one admitted to selling these medications to my son, and all the businesses refused to offer compensation, which I cannot understand. Why would they be so harmful and yet so unapologetic?”
After that, Mr. Wang complained about all the pharmacies in hopes of seeking justice for himself and his son.
I remember watching a movie called “Puberty” during my childhood, empathizing with the anxieties and confusion of adolescence. Due to ignorance and naivety, combined with teachers and parents’ embarrassment in explaining these matters, adolescence became blurred and confusing.
However, as I mentioned earlier, children typically choose to forget when they realize they are powerless, gradually adapting with growth while reconciling with themselves. They do not typically choose to resist growth in such a manner, which is the root cause of all tragedies.
Thus, the occurrence of this tragedy, apart from the child’s youth, is it genuinely the responsibility of the pharmacies? I don’t think so; rather, it is the inaction of Mr. Wang and his wife.
While it is certainly abhorrent that pharmacies sold hormone medications to children, the fact that the child suppressed his inner confusion and did not ask his parents but chose to solve it himself indicates parental irresponsibility.
As guardians and friends to their children, parents should be responsible for supervision and protection, understanding and tolerance. Wang Tuo took medication from July to November. Could it be that the parents did not notice?
