Articles
Pubertal blockers for transgender and gender-diverse youth
Content
What do pubertal blockers do?
What are the benefits of use of pubertal blockers?
What are the criteria for use of pubertal blockers?
Are the changes permanent?
What is the typical treatment time frame?
How is the medication given?
What are the possible side effects and complications?
What other treatments are needed?
What are the benefits of use of pubertal blockers?
Gender dysphoria is the feeling of discomfort or distress that might accompany a difference between experienced or expressed gender and sex assigned at birth. Gender dysphoria that starts in childhood and worsens with the start of puberty rarely goes away.
For children who have gender dysphoria, suppressing puberty might:
- Improve mental well-being
- Reduce depression and anxiety
- Improve social interactions and integration with other kids
- Eliminate the need for future surgeries
- Reduce thoughts or actions related to self-harm
However, puberty suppression alone might not ease gender dysphoria.