Puberty Blockers: A Beacon of Hope for Trans Youth
As a gender specialist working with transgender youth, I understand parents’ apprehension and nervousness that comes with the decision to start puberty blockers. However, I’d like to share with you insights from a recent groundbreaking study from Harvard and Boston Children’s Hospital that sheds new light on this subject– providing both assurance and hope.
Study Insights: Profound Revelations for Trans Youth
The study, involving 438 transgender and gender diverse youth aged 13-17, revealed remarkable findings. Of these participants, 40 had received puberty blockers at their early stages of puberty, (Tanner stages 2 or 3). The results were eye-opening:
Significant Mental Health Benefits: Youth who received puberty blockers reported drastically lower rates for internalizing problems, anxiety, and depression than their transgender peers who did not receive puberty blockers.
Reduced Suicidal Thoughts: The incidence of suicidal thoughts was substantially lower among those on puberty blockers – only 12.5% reported such thoughts compared to 27.2% in the non-blocker group.
Overall Psychosocial Well-being: These youth also experienced less stress and total problems, suggesting an overall enhancement in their quality of life.
Navigating Parental Concerns: Facts Over Fears
These numbers aren't just statistics; they represent real improvements in the daily lives of transgender and gender expansive youth. As parents, it's natural to worry about the health and future of your children. This study, however, provides strong evidence that puberty blockers can significantly improve the mental health and well-being of transgender youth.
The Empowering Value of a Supportive Team
The decision to start puberty blockers is deeply personal and should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals. But for many young trans individuals, this intervention could be life-changing, allowing them to align their physical changes with their gender identity in a way that enhances their mental health and overall happiness.
This study is a beacon of hope. It assures us that puberty blockers are not only safe but also beneficial in increasing the mental health and quality of life for transgender youth. It’s time we embrace these findings and support our young ones in their journey to live authentically and happily.
Are you a parent of a trans child? Do you still have unanswered questions?
We’re here to support you!
Rebecca offers Parent Coaching with families all over the world! If you have a transgender or gender expansive child and you’re looking for more support in being an ally to them on their journey of becoming, reachout to us at hello@genderspecialist.com or head to the parent coaching page and get in touch with us today!
Take Action Today!
Go to the Protect Trans Youth page for ways to take action, resources, and suggestions for where to donate your time and money.
Has a kid in your life recently come out to you? Check out our free guide!
Sign up for How To Talk To Kids About Gender, the course that helps parents and caregivers have the not-so-difficult conversations that matter about gender.
