Study Shows Puberty Blockers Increase Happiness in Trans Youth
A new UK study published last week found that puberty blockers generally improved the quality of life of transgender youth.
Published in the journal PLOS One, the study tracked 44 participants ages 12-15 who were administered puberty blockers until age 16. These participants reported severe and continuous gender dysmorphia throughout childhood. During the study, the majority of participants reported either only positive changes in their life or both negative and positive changes.
“Participant experience of treatment as reported in interviews was positive for the majority, particularly relating to feeling happier, feeling more comfortable, better relationships with family and peers and positive changes in gender role. Smaller numbers reported having mixed positive and negative changes. A minority (12% at 6–15 months and 17% at 15–24 months) reported only negative changes, which were largely related to anticipated side effects.”
Even among those reporting only negative changes, none of the trans youth elected to stop receiving the puberty blockers. After their 16th birthdays, 43 participants, or 98 percent, decided to continue with cross-sex hormones and begin transitioning.
Other studies have reported similar figures. In a 2020 study by the journal Pediatrics, trans youth who had access to puberty blockers were found to be less likely to have suicidal thoughts.
“In univariate analyses, when comparing those who received pubertal suppression with those who did not, receiving pubertal suppression was associated with decreased odds of past-year suicidal ideation, lifetime suicidal ideation, and past-month severe psychological distress.”
The Trevor Project’s National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 2020 reported that the use of correct pronouns can dramatically improve the mental health of transgender and non-binary youth.
“Transgender and nonbinary youth who report having their pronouns respected by all or most of the people in their lives attempted suicide at half the rate of those who did not have their pronouns respected.”
The United Kingdom ruled in December that children under age 16 are not mature or “competent” enough to consent to puberty blockers. Yet these statistics prove that protecting trans youth is not withholding treatment but instead making it more accessible.
On the decision, the defendant The Tavistock and Portman NHS (National Health Service) Trust said they were “disappointed by today’s judgment and we understand that the outcome is likely to cause anxiety for patients and their families.”
