Puberty blockers

Puberty blockers A drug administered to block the onset of puberty. Originally thought to give a person suffering from “gender dysphoria” a chance to reflect, recent evidence links it to permanent damage, including sterility, poor physical development and cancers. Dr Hilary Cass in her interim report said there was too little known about the effects of blockers, which prevent the development of secondary sexual characteristics. The government banned the use of puberty blockers following her final report in 2024. The prescription of puberty blockers has been a polarizing issue on an international scale. On the one hand, opponents for the use of puberty blockers argue that the long term side effects are damaging, minors are unable to provide informed consent, treatment interferes with typical gender identity development, and there are high rates of detransitioning after puberty, rendering treatment ineffective. On the other hand, proponents argue that there are psychological and developmental benefits of puberty blockers which may outweigh the risks associated with treatment, such as a lower risk of depression and reduced behavioral issues

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