What to know about puberty blockers

Puberty blockers are medications that temporarily pause the physical changes of puberty, such as voice deepening or breast development. They're used for adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria to provide time for them and their guardians to consider their gender identity before irreversible changes occur.

While the National Health Service in England has stopped prescribing these blockers, their safety and effectiveness have been established over three decades. They are also used to treat medical conditions like early puberty and have minimal long-term risks.

Deciding if puberty blockers are right for your child involves discussions with healthcare professionals and consideration of the child's distress around puberty. These medications can be started when puberty begins and stopped or supplemented with gender-affirming hormones later in adolescence.

Concerns about bone density and fertility exist but are manageable and weighed against the potential harm of untreated gender dysphoria. Studies show that most individuals who pursue gender-affirming care in adolescence continue with it into adulthood, indicating that puberty blockers align with their long-term gender identity.