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 is the typical treatment time frame?
For most children, puberty begins around ages 10 to 11, though puberty sometimes starts earlier. The effect of pubertal blockers depends on when a child begins to take the medication. GnRH analogue treatment can begin at the start of puberty to delay secondary sex characteristics. In slightly later stages of puberty, the treatment could be used to stop menstruation or erections or to prevent further development of undesired secondary sex characteristics.
While most children take the medication for a few years, every child is different. After suppressing puberty for a few years, your child might decide to stop puberty blocking therapy or pursue other hormone treatments.