Table of Contents
What is the purpose of puberty blockers?
Puberty blockers, also called hormone blockers, help delay unwanted physical changes that don’t match someone’s gender identity. Delaying these changes can be an important step in a young person’s transition. It can also give your child more time to explore their options before deciding whether or how to transition.
How do puberty blockers affect the brain?
In their longitudinal study on the first 70 adolescents to receive puberty blockers, de Vries and colleagues37 reported an improvement in general functioning after two years, along with a decrease in depression and behavioural and emotional difficulties.
Are puberty blockers safe?
Health care providers refusing to provide puberty blockers to youth can cause additional distress, and may lead to anxiety and depression. Withholding puberty blockers and hormone therapy is not a neutral option and can result in an increased risk of mental health issues.
Does puberty resolve gender dysphoria?
Guidelines require puberty to have begun (Tanner stage 2, when pubic hair and breast buds appear) before any intervention is agreed. This is because gender dysphoria may resolve once puberty begins. In 2008 the Endocrine Society approved puberty blockers for transgender adolescents as young as 12 years old.
Do puberty blockers affect mental development?
Research has suggested that the use of puberty blockers decreases the risk of depression and contributes to the mitigation of behavioral issues. Opponents to the use of puberty blockers have argued that puberty blockers encourage children to go through with cross-sex hormones and gender reassignment surgery.
What medications help with gender dysphoria?
Gender Dysphoria Medication
- Progestins.
- Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonists.
- Aldosterone Antagonists, Selective.
- Antineoplastics, Antiandrogens.
- Oral Contraceptives.
- Estrogen Derivatives.
- Androgens.