puberty delay

[katewestmum]

Did anyone see this story in the news recently?

The NHS is giving injections of 'puberty delay' drugs to children who believe they have been born the wrong sex.

Is anyone in this situation or perhaps would consider it for their DS/DD?

Yes, I am the parent of a child who is receiving hormone blockers. My child is not involved with the trials at the Tavistock and Portman which you refer to and which was featured in the Sunday Times; although I am aware of those trials.

My child is 15 years old and was well into puberty before coming out as trans.
The hormone blockers give these adolescents breathing space in which they can be assessed by psychologists, benefit from counselling and be sure in their own minds that they are trans; without the pressure of continuing to develop into the adult they are not going to be comfortable being. In the future when they reach adulthood they can then decide to transition or not, as the case may be. They can stop having the blockers if there is any doubt along the way; their puberty in the assigned birth gender would then resume its course. If they do go on to transition after reaching adulthood then transition and "passing" would be more successful.

This treatment is safe and reversible. Developing in the wrong gender is not. Many trans teenager attempt suicide. I would rather my child was allowed this treatment than not have them with me in the future.

Since my child started living in the preferred gender at home and at school and receiving the hormone blocking treatment the severe depression has lifted. I now have a happy child who can see a brighter future ahead.

I thought the Sunday Times article was very well done and addressed the subject compassionately and not in the sensationalist way used by much of the media.