1/ This new @sciam editorial promotes scientific falsehoods while purporting to dispel them.
Puberty blockers aren't "reversible" in the context of trans medicine. We don't know much about what happens developmentally when *normal* puberty is delayed. scientificamerican.com/article/why-an…
Puberty blockers aren't "reversible" in the context of trans medicine. We don't know much about what happens developmentally when *normal* puberty is delayed. scientificamerican.com/article/why-an…
2/ The "reversible" claim refers to the fact that *very* young children who begin puberty much to early, and risk developmental issues, can take PBs to delay puberty until the normal age for puberty (~12 years old). In this context, the effects of PBs are mostly safe.
3/ But we don't have good data on the effects of PBs when puberty is delayed during the time when children would *normally* undergo puberty. And the data we do have is raises many red flags.
PBs are used off-label in trans medicine. They are not approved for this context.
PBs are used off-label in trans medicine. They are not approved for this context.
4/ Plus, data shows that nearly 100% of kids who go on PBs continue on to cross-sex hormones, whereas dysphoric children who are not put on PBs desist at a rate of around 85%.
In other words, PBs appear to cement dysphoric feelings in kids who may have otherwise desisted.
In other words, PBs appear to cement dysphoric feelings in kids who may have otherwise desisted.
5/ SciAm is promoting dangerous scientific falsehoods here. They should be ashamed.
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