Trans youth will no longer be prescribed puberty blockers at NHS England gender identity clinics in a new “blow” to gender-affirming healthcare.
Puberty blockers are a type of medicine that prevent puberty from starting by blocking the hormones – like testosterone and oestrogen – that lead to puberty-related changes in the body. In the case of trans youth, this can delay unwanted physical changes like menstruation, breast growth, voice changes or facial hair growth.
On Tuesday (12 March), NHS England confirmed the medicine, which has been described as “life-saving” medical care for trans youth, will only be available to young people as part of clinical research trials.
The government described the move as a “landmark decision”, Sky News reported. It believed such a move is in the “best interests of the child”.
Time to start some really large clinical trials.
Which wouldn’t be a bad idea anyway, tracking long-term outcomes.
GnRH was discovered in 1971, and has been available since the '80s. We have a pretty good idea of their long term effects. There could be more about effects on transgender youth in particular, but everything done so far shows it’s safe.
I’m reading about migraines, joint pain, hot flashes/sweating, decreased libido (which I would expect to take place during treatment) persisting for months after discontinuing use of GnRH. I’m also reading that it can worsen diabetes and osteoporosis?
Idk, to say that it’s without risk is false I think.
How many of these side effects could just be the result of starting puberty after stopping the medication?
I genuinely don’t know, but is osteoporosis common as a result of puberty?
Edit:
Also a risk when taking birth control, the question is how severe and can you recover after completing puberty.
Idk how I feel about kids taking birth control either, is that a normal thing??
If you don’t want kids getting pregnant, yes.
I mean I don’t, but more because I don’t like the thought of kids having sex.
Do yourself a favour and don’t read the possible side effects on the back of the box of paracetamol you bought from the supermarket.
Yeah I actually do my utmost to avoid taking Acetaminophen.