Trans youth will no longer be prescribed puberty blockers at NHS England gender identity clinics in a “blow” to gender-affirming healthcare.

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”.

  • Jax@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    01·
    8 months ago

    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.

    • Aurelian@lemmy.mlEnglish
      0·
      8 months ago

      How many of these side effects could just be the result of starting puberty after stopping the medication?

      • Jax@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        0·
        8 months ago

        I genuinely don’t know, but is osteoporosis common as a result of puberty?

        Edit:

        later puberty was linked to lower bone mineral density, and that both are risk factors for osteoporosis

        • Aurelian@lemmy.mlEnglish
          0·
          8 months ago

          Also a risk when taking birth control, the question is how severe and can you recover after completing puberty.

          • Jax@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
            01·
            8 months ago

            Idk how I feel about kids taking birth control either, is that a normal thing??

              • Jax@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
                0·
                8 months ago

                I mean I don’t, but more because I don’t like the thought of kids having sex.

                • dana@lemmy.worldEnglish
                  1·
                  8 months ago

                  You can’t stop people from having sex, so it’s best to give them the education and healthcare necessary to reduce risks.

                  • Jax@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
                    11·
                    8 months ago

                    I don’t disagree with that. The idea of high schoolers fucking 12 year olds will never sit well with me but sure, it’s probably best they don’t get pregnant as a result of it.

    • Icaria@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      8 months ago

      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.