BOSTON -- In Friday's medical news, NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported on a controversial testosterone patch that may hold promise for hormone-deficient women, the age when girls should start seeing a gynecologist, and the dangerous effects of second-hand smoke on newborns.

Testosterone Patch

Women with low testosterone levels are getting a big boost from a patch, according to researchers.

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital followed 51 hormone-deficient women. Half wore the Intrinsa testosterone patch, while the other half wore a placebo patch. After one year, the women using the testosterone patch had stronger bones, bigger muscles and a better sex life.

This is the first study to show improvements in bone density and body composition in women using the testosterone patch. But researchers caution further study is needed to determine the long-term effects of testosterone replacement.

Girls And Gynecologists

How soon should you bring your daughter to the gynecologist? A leading group of doctors wants girls as young as 13 to make their first visit to the gynecologist.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said the initial visit may not include a physical exam, but would be an opportunity for young women to learn about reproductive health and establish a trusting and confidential relationship with her doctor. The American Academy of Pediatrics disagreed and recommended pediatricians treat patients until the age of 21.

Babies And Second-Hand Smoke

Second-hand smoke can increase a baby's risk of cancer, according to new research.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota studied the urine of 144 newborns exposed to second-hand smoke regularly. They found detectable levels of cancer-causing agents in 47 percent of the babies.

Researchers said the parents of those babies smoked an average of 76 cigarettes a week. Researchers said parents should not smoke around their children.