Study: Puberty blockers may harm children’s mental health.
Transgender Children Taking Puberty Blockers at Risk of Poor Mental Health, Study Finds
A new analysis by UK scientists reveals that transgender children under 16 years old who are taking puberty blockers may be susceptible to experiencing negative mental health outcomes.
In a recent study (pdf), researchers reexamined data from 44 children aged 12 to 15. The findings showed that up to 34 percent of trans teens with gender dysphoria, who were taking the puberty blocker triptorelin, reported a decline in mental health. Additionally, up to 29 percent reported improvement, while 37 percent reported no change in their mental health status.
This contrasts with previous findings from a 2021 study, which indicated that this same age group reported neither harm nor benefit after taking triptorelin for at least one year.
The researchers chose to reevaluate the data by examining individual-level changes rather than comparing group averages. This approach provided a clearer understanding of the benefits and risks associated with triptorelin. The authors explained, ”Rather than saying ‘on average’ there was a statistically significant difference before and after treatment, we can say ‘of the whole sample, 50% improved but 50% deteriorated,’ and so on.”
What Is Triptorelin and How Does It Work?
Triptorelin belongs to a class of medications called gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH). It is designed to stimulate the synthesis and release of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, which are responsible for testosterone production in men and estrogen synthesis in women.
The injectable puberty-blocking drug, triptorelin, was initially approved in the United States in 2000 for relieving symptoms of advanced prostate cancer by reducing testosterone levels. It is considered as effective as surgical castration. Triptorelin has also been used off-label in girls under 8 years old and boys under 9 years old to delay early puberty. Additionally, it is a crucial component of “gender-affirming care” as it halts menstruation and erections. The drug also affects secondary sex characteristics such as breast and genitalia development, fat deposition, body hair growth, and changes in the larynx.
Common side effects of triptorelin include:
- Hot flashes.
- Loss of libido.
- Erectile dysfunction.
- Depression.
- Nausea.
- Diarrhea.
- Fluid retention.
The medication also carries several rare but potentially severe complications, including:
- Pituitary apoplexy, which involves bleeding from benign tumors in the pituitary gland.
- Metabolic changes.
- Diabetes.
- Weight gain.
- Osteoporosis.
Mental Health Epidemic in Youth
The results of this study could potentially contribute to the ongoing epidemic of deteriorating mental health among young people.
According to the 2022 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report, nearly 15 percent of individuals aged 10 to 19 worldwide have a mental health disorder.
Another comprehensive 2022 paper published by UK researchers revealed that 18 percent of children between the ages of 7 and 16 were suspected to have a mental health disorder. The rates of probable disorders also increased from 1 in 9 in 2017 to 1 in 6 in 2020, leveling off between 2020 and 2022.
A separate 2022 study conducted in the United States showed similar results, with close to 22 percent of children experiencing at least one mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition.
What are puberty blockers for transgender children?
Puberty blockers can be used to delay the changes of puberty in transgender and gender-diverse youth who have started puberty. The medicines most often used for this purpose are called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues. Transgender Children Taking Puberty Blockers at Risk of Poor Mental Health, Study Finds
A new analysis conducted by UK scientists has shed light on the potential risks associated with transgender children under 16 years old who are taking puberty blockers. The analysis suggests that these children may be susceptible to experiencing negative mental health outcomes.
The study focused on 44 children between the ages of 12 and 15 who were taking the puberty blocker called triptorelin. The findings revealed that up to 34 percent of trans teens with gender dysphoria reported a decline in mental health while on the medication. Additionally, up to 29 percent reported an improvement in mental health, while 37 percent reported no change. These findings are in contrast to a previous study conducted in 2021, which indicated that this same age group reported neither harm nor benefit after taking triptorelin for at least one year.
The researchers conducted this analysis by reevaluating the data at an individual level rather than comparing group averages. This approach provided a clearer understanding of the benefits and risks associated with triptorelin. The authors of the study explained, “Rather than saying ‘on average’ there was a statistically significant difference before and after treatment, we can say ‘of the whole sample, 50% improved but 50% deteriorated,’ and so on.”
But what exactly is triptorelin and how does it work? Triptorelin belongs to a class of medications called gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH). It is designed to stimulate the synthesis and release of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, which are responsible for testosterone production in men and estrogen synthesis in women.
The injectable puberty-blocking drug, triptorelin, was initially approved in the United States in 2000 for relieving symptoms of advanced prostate cancer by reducing testosterone levels. It is considered as effective as surgical castration. Triptorelin has also been used off-label in girls under 8 years old and boys under 9 years old to delay early puberty. Additionally, it is a crucial component of “gender-affirming care” as it halts menstruation and erections. The drug also affects secondary sex characteristics such as breast and genitalia development, fat deposition, and body hair growth.
These findings highlight the need for further research and careful consideration when it comes to the use of puberty blockers in transgender children. While these medications may provide relief and empowerment for many, the potential impact on mental health cannot be overlooked. It is essential for healthcare providers to closely monitor the mental well-being of transgender youth undergoing hormone therapy and provide appropriate support and interventions when necessary.
As the medical community continues to learn more about the effects of puberty blockers, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being and mental health of transgender children. This includes conducting further studies, evaluating the long-term outcomes, and developing comprehensive guidelines for
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