Puberty Blockers: Mental Health Impacts and Therapeutic Support

Puberty blockers can significantly impact mental health outcomes in adolescents, with research showing potential reductions in depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation when combined with comprehensive therapeutic support and affirming mental healthcare from licensed clinical professionals.

Making decisions about puberty blockers can feel overwhelming for both young people and their families. While medical choices remain between you and your healthcare provider, having professional therapeutic support to process emotions, explore identity, and navigate family discussions can make a significant difference in your journey.

Understanding Puberty Blockers: Mental Health Considerations in Therapy

Puberty blockers are medications that prevent the hormonal changes associated with puberty in children and adolescents. While commonly discussed in relation to transgender youth, these medications have multiple applications and potential impacts on mental health. Understanding these options can help individuals and families make informed decisions about their appropriateness. For personalized guidance, we recommend consulting with your doctor and a licensed clinical social worker.

What are puberty blockers?

According to Planned Parenthood, puberty blockers, also known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues, prevent puberty and the development of secondary sex characteristics in pre-pubescent individuals. They can stop menstruation, breast development, facial hair growth, and voice deepening.

These medications may be prescribed for patients experiencing gender dysphoria, a condition where one’s biological sex doesn’t align with their gender identity. Transgender and non-binary individuals might take these medications before or during puberty to prevent unwanted physical changes. Typically, puberty begins between ages 10-14 for biological females and 12-16 for biological males.

ReachLink provides therapeutic support and information about mental health aspects of various life challenges. However, our licensed clinical social workers do not prescribe medications or make specific medical recommendations. The information provided here is general and not specific to any individual. Always consult qualified medical professionals before making health decisions.

Why might someone take puberty blockers?

Puberty blockers serve purposes beyond addressing gender dysphoria. Here are some common reasons a doctor might prescribe these medications:

As part of gender-affirming care

Gender-affirming care encompasses a range of physical and mental health services for transgender individuals. Research indicates this care may reduce risks of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts. By temporarily pausing puberty, individuals can prevent the development of unwanted physical characteristics while exploring their gender identity.

For various medical conditions

Doctors may prescribe puberty blockers to treat medical conditions including:

• Precocious puberty (puberty that begins too early)
• Prostate cancer (to reduce certain hormones)
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids

If you suspect you have a hormone-related medical condition, consult your doctor about appropriate treatment options.

Potential mental health benefits of puberty blockers

While puberty blockers aren’t psychiatric medications and aren’t FDA-approved specifically for gender dysphoria treatment (though they are approved for other uses), research suggests they may offer mental health benefits for some individuals, particularly those with gender dysphoria:

• Potential reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms
• Decreased overall stress levels
• Prevention of bullying related to unwanted physical characteristics
• Reduced risk of suicidal ideation
• Improved self-esteem
• Support for authentic self-expression
• Allowing young people to focus on other developmental areas like academics and social relationships

Potential risks and considerations

Recent research on puberty blockers in adolescents with gender dysphoria suggests varied mental health outcomes. A 2023 study tracking participants over 36 months found that “the majority of participants experience no reliable change in distress across all time points. Between 15% and 34% deteriorate and between 9% and 20% reliably improve.” More research is needed before drawing definitive conclusions about mental health effects.

The FDA has approved puberty blockers for precocious puberty, while their use for gender dysphoria is considered “off-label.” In 2022, the FDA added warnings about the risk of pseudotumor cerebri (increased pressure within the skull) to puberty blocker labels.

Other potential concerns include:

• Reduced bone health and density
• Possible impacts on fertility

Some effects may be reversible, but research is ongoing. Families should thoroughly discuss these risks with medical professionals before proceeding with treatment. Alternative treatments may include hormone injections, nasal sprays, or testosterone gel, all of which require a doctor’s prescription.

The importance of affirming healthcare

Affirming healthcare considers all aspects of an individual’s well-being, particularly for transgender and non-binary people. Providers practicing this approach typically strive to be affirming, trauma-informed, and knowledgeable about LGBTQIA+ health concerns. They may discuss pronouns, gender identity, treatment options, and provide support throughout one’s healthcare journey.

For children and adolescents, treatment approaches are typically age-appropriate:

• Young children usually focus on social transitions (clothing, hairstyles, pronouns, names)
• Adolescents may consider puberty blockers or hormone therapy when appropriate
• Adults can make informed decisions about hormone therapy or surgical interventions

Not all transgender or non-binary individuals choose medical transition, and approaches vary based on individual needs.

Research highlights the positive impact of affirming care:

• Children with supportive families report better well-being and less gender dysphoria
• Gender-affirming care improves quality of life for transgender individuals across age groups
• A 2022 study found that gender-affirming care, including puberty blockers and hormones, was associated with 60% lower odds of moderate/severe depression and 73% lower odds of suicidality over a 12-month period

Finding affirming healthcare providers

Locating providers experienced with gender-affirming care can be challenging. Some healthcare professionals may lack experience in this area, and certain states have legislation limiting gender-affirming care for minors. Here are strategies for finding appropriate providers:

Ask for referrals

Your primary care provider or current therapist may recommend gender-affirming providers. Friends, family members, or community connections who have used these services can also offer valuable recommendations.

Conduct targeted online searches

Search for providers who specifically mention experience with LGBTQIA+ clients. Research their approach and philosophy before scheduling appointments, and consider consulting with multiple providers to find the best fit.

Contact LGBTQIA+ organizations

Organizations like The Trevor Project offer resource directories for LGBTQIA+ youth. Their gender identity resources page provides information about nationwide support options. LGBTQIA+ youth in crisis can access The Trevor Project’s hotline or chat services for immediate support from trained counselors.

Therapeutic support with ReachLink

Gender dysphoria, discrimination, and related challenges can be difficult to manage alone. Family members supporting transgender loved ones may also benefit from professional guidance. ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers provide affirming, supportive therapy for these situations.

Our telehealth platform offers several advantages:

• Flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments
• Secure video sessions from the comfort of home
• Matching with therapists experienced in LGBTQIA+ issues
• Evidence-based therapeutic approaches
• Individual, couples, and family therapy options

Research indicates that online therapy can effectively support LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly adolescents and young adults. Virtual cognitive behavioral therapy has shown success in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in these populations.

Conclusion

Puberty blockers may support the physical and mental well-being of transgender and gender non-conforming youth when appropriately prescribed. However, these medications require thorough discussion with qualified medical providers to determine their suitability for each individual situation. ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers can provide mental health support throughout this process, helping individuals and families navigate these important decisions with confidence and clarity.