Potential side effects of puberty blockers
According to the Endocrine Society’s clinical practice guidelines for transgender youth, potential side effects of puberty blockers can include the following:
- Decreased bone mineral density
- Increased risk of blood clots
- Reduced fertility
- Alterations in body composition
- Changes in mood and quality of life
- Potentially adverse effects on brain development
- Suicide and chronic depression.
Risks vs. benefits of puberty blockers
The Endocrine Society states that while puberty blockers have potential side effects, the benefits of delaying puberty for transgender youth can outweigh these risks.
For example, delaying puberty can alleviate gender dysphoria and allow transgender youth more time to explore their gender identity before making irreversible hormone therapy or surgery decisions.
Although puberty blockers are essential in the care of transgender youth, qualified medical professionals should carefully monitor their use.
Religious conservative advocates are against the use of puberty blockers. To them, gender ideology has demonic roots. Hence, the war on gender pronouns between liberal advocates and faith groups.
The potential side effects of puberty blockers should be weighed against their benefits on a case-by-case basis, with input from the patient, their family, and their healthcare providers.
Lupron puberty blocker
Lupron is considered the most popular puberty blocker used. According to an FDA report, it is linked to more than 6,000 deaths.
The demand for puberty drugs increased after several states supported gender transitioning and sex surgery for kids as young as 15, with or without parental permission.
In addition, a state can subsidize sex reassignment surgery using taxpayer money (Medicaid)
Sources: Hembree, W. C., et al. (2017). Endocrine treatment of gender-dysphoric/gender-incongruent persons: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 102(11), 3869-3903.
