The Basics of Puberty Blockers

Here, we present a quick overview on this topic. GWLA takes this matter very seriously — it does not represent our default, automatic recommendation to address rapid onset gender dysphoria. It is considered on a case-by-case basis, after a thorough assessment is completed, from a clinical and family systems perspective.

Puberty’s physical changes can cause intense distress for many gender non-conforming youth. Puberty blockers are medicines that prevent puberty from happening. They do not cause permanent changes in an adolescent’s body. It pauses puberty, providing time to determine the extent and duration of a child’s gender dysphoria. Needless to say, this process is a complex one involving the child’s mental/emotional/physical response combined with consultation between family members, mental health professionals, and doctors.

Puberty blockers need to be considered and discussed early on, as puberty’s physical and emotional development can cause intense distress for many gender non-conforming youth.

For most kids, puberty begins around 10 or 11, although for some, it starts earlier. Most kids will take blockers for a fews years and then decide to stop or pursue other hormone treatments.

In those identified as female at birth, the blockers limit or stop breast development while inhibiting menstruation. In those identified as male at birth, they decrease the growth of facial and body hair, prevent voice deepening and limit the growth of genitalia.

Medications for youth are given by a pediatric endocrinologist. Either injections every 3 months or through an implant under the skin of the upper arm which needs to be replaced every 12 months.