Parenting Insights
Can you do self-insemination at home ?
Recently, Arkansas became the first state to prohibit gender-affirming care for transgender minors after the state legislature overruled Governor Asa Hutchinson’s veto of the bill. This new legislation threatens to revoke the licenses of any doctors who prescribe puberty blockers, hormone therapies, or gender-affirming surgeries to individuals under 18. At least 17 other states are considering similar measures. This wave of legislation not only endangers medical professionals doing their jobs but also punishes transgender youth for simply being themselves. These laws are rooted in myths, unfounded fears, and religious beliefs, rather than scientific evidence that supports the health and well-being of transgender youth. Moreover, these restrictions also negatively impact cisgender children, as they too may require the medical care that is being banned.
When exploring the anti-trans legislation being enacted, it can be challenging to know which misconceptions about gender-affirming care to address first. For this discussion, I’ll focus on puberty blockers, as these treatments are often sought by younger transgender individuals who pursue medical options during their transition.
The pivotal concepts to remember are “choose” and “their.” No child is being compelled to identify as transgender. In fact, many transgender youth lack supportive adults who advocate for their needs. More parents tend to discourage their children from expressing their true identities than to support them in understanding their gender identity.
It’s also important to clarify that no one is performing surgical procedures on transgender minors without their consent. While some may impose surgeries on children to conform to societal gender norms, this is not the case for transgender youth seeking appropriate medical care.
What Are Puberty Blockers?
Puberty blockers are medications designed to prevent the body from producing sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen) that trigger physical changes during puberty. For instance, a child assigned female at birth would not produce estrogen, thus preventing breast development and menstruation. However, they would still experience some traits of puberty, such as body odor, pubic hair, and acne, which are not solely regulated by these hormones.
There are two main types of puberty blockers:
- Histrelin acetate: This is implanted under the skin in the arm and lasts about a year before needing replacement.
- Leuprolide acetate: This is an injectable solution that requires administration every 1 to 4 months, depending on the formulation. It typically takes one to two months for puberty blockers to take effect and they are generally used for two to three years.
These treatments act like a pause button on puberty, allowing it to resume later if the individual decides to stop using the blockers. If a transgender child later opts for hormone therapy, their body will undergo puberty that aligns with their gender identity. For example, a transgender male transitioning from puberty blockers to testosterone will experience a deeper voice and increased body hair.
Who Needs Puberty Blockers?
Puberty occurs in phases, typically starting between ages 9 and 11. Doctors utilize Tanner stages to assess where a child is in their developmental process. Tanner stage 2 is often the most appropriate time to introduce puberty blockers, as it marks the onset of changes in sex characteristics that a transgender child may not wish to undergo.
If puberty progresses without intervention, many physical changes become irreversible. This makes puberty blockers essential for the mental health of transgender youth, allowing them to avoid unwanted physical changes that could lead to future discomfort or dysphoria. For example, transgender males who undergo typical female puberty may later require gender-affirming surgeries to alleviate the distress caused by breast development.
Additionally, puberty blockers are utilized for children experiencing precocious puberty, which occurs when secondary sex characteristics develop too early. For these children, blockers can halt the progression of puberty until they reach an appropriate age.
Both cisgender and transgender children can benefit from puberty blockers.
Are Puberty Blockers Safe?
Yes, puberty blockers are considered safe and their effects are reversible. They do not have an impact on fertility. Potential side effects may include injection site pain, headaches, fatigue, mood changes, and irregular periods for those whose menstruation isn’t completely halted.
Weighing Risks and Rewards
The risks associated with denying access to puberty blockers far outweigh the potential drawbacks of treatment. Children with untreated precocious puberty may face significant emotional and behavioral challenges, including higher risks of substance abuse, social isolation, and issues with self-esteem. The same is true for transgender youth; the benefits of puberty blockers, such as improved mental health and reduced anxiety, are compelling.
Blocking access to this critical care for transgender youth is not protective; it is harmful. Politicians who enact these laws are allowing their biases and misinformed beliefs to jeopardize the well-being of children who need support and understanding.
For further reading on this important topic, check out our related blog post here and learn more about the medical aspects of fertility at this resource. If you’re interested in pregnancy and home insemination, this podcast is an excellent resource.
Summary
Puberty blockers are a vital option for transgender youth seeking to align their physical development with their gender identity. These medications are safe, reversible, and can have profound effects on mental health and well-being. However, recent legislative actions threaten to restrict access to these necessary treatments, often based on misinformation and prejudice. It is essential to advocate for the rights of all children to receive the medical care they need.