Puberty Blockers

Puberty suppression is a therapeutic strategy used to halt temporarily the development of secondary sexual characteristics in youth with persistent or worsening gender dysphoria. The purpose of puberty blockers, also known as pubertal blockers, is twofold: first, to decrease the distress caused by these physical changes and provide a window of time for the youth to explore their gender identity and the ultimate optimal approach to their gender dysphoria (i.e., the initiation of gender-affirming hormones and/or gender-affirming surgical procedures) and, second, to allow families, when needed, to inform and prepare themselves in order to better support youth as they begin to live in their affirmed gender and/or begin gender-affirming therapies. Although not specifically approved for this purpose, they are a valuable therapeutic tool in the ...