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What research have you done? Because it doesn't take long to find evidence that they have a list of side effects including some not-so-innocuous ones, and the a

What research have you done? Because it doesn't take long to find evidence that they have a list of side effects including some not-so-innocuous ones, and the admission that research is lacking: Possible long-term side effects of puberty blockers Lower bone density. To protect against this, we work to make sure every patient gets enough exercise, calcium and vitamin D, which can help keep bones healthy and strong. We also closely monitor patients’ bone density. Delayed growth plate closure, leading to slightly taller adult height. Less development of genital tissue, which may limit options for gender affirming surgery (bottom surgery) later in life. Other possible long-term side effects that are not yet known. https://www.stlouischildrens.org/conditions-treatments/transgender-center/puberty-blockers https://www.stlouischildrens.org/conditions-treatments/trans...

angus-prune 5y ago
Quite extensive research actually. The overwhelming medical consensus is that puberty blockers are safe, and this is backed up by over three decades of their use in treating trans youth and even longer in treating precocious puberty. I leave it to the reader to determine whether they think having to take vitamin supplement counts as a significant side-effects. I would note, however, that it is also important to put these side effects in context. The contraceptive pill, for instance, also has reduced bone density as a possible side-effect. My reading of the research also does not indicate that it is majorly lacking. Medical research is written in a very conservative manner. Researchers avoid making claims beyond the limits of their research. This can look like doubt or uncertainty when it is not.
- nahnahno 5y ago
  > Researchers avoid making claims beyond the limits of their research. My experience as a Ph.D. researchers is exactly this. > This can look like doubt or uncertainty when it is not. No, it is absolutely real uncertainty. The difference between knowing a topic and knowing something about it is vast, and in the space is sophistry.
slumdev 5y ago
It's negligent that a hospital's website doesn't mention the severest consequence of puberty blockers: infertility.

angus-prune 5y ago

Quite extensive research actually. The overwhelming medical consensus is that puberty blockers are safe, and this is backed up by over three decades of their use in treating trans youth and even longer in treating precocious puberty. I leave it to the reader to determine whether they think having to take vitamin supplement counts as a significant side-effects. I would note, however, that it is also important to put these side effects in context. The contraceptive pill, for instance, also has reduced bone density as a possible side-effect. My reading of the research also does not indicate that it is majorly lacking. Medical research is written in a very conservative manner. Researchers avoid making claims beyond the limits of their research. This can look like doubt or uncertainty when it is not.

nahnahno 5y ago
> Researchers avoid making claims beyond the limits of their research. My experience as a Ph.D. researchers is exactly this. > This can look like doubt or uncertainty when it is not. No, it is absolutely real uncertainty. The difference between knowing a topic and knowing something about it is vast, and in the space is sophistry.

slumdev 5y ago

It's negligent that a hospital's website doesn't mention the severest consequence of puberty blockers: infertility.