Puberty Blockers FAQ
How long will a blocker last? When will it run out?
There's no exact timeframe available. Like many things, this varies according to the individual. Current evidence suggests a blocker injection can last anywhere between three months and two years.
When should a young person start taking hormones?
A young person can start taking hormones whenever they are ready. Let them guide you, but to leave a trans child in a state of prepuberty for a long part of their teenage years isn't natural.
What are the risks of GnRHa blockers?
The risks aren't of taking blockers, the risks are the effects of not having hormones. Hormones are essential for many aspects of health. To leave someone without hormones for a prolonged period will cause issues. For comparison, if a cisgender child ...
If I can’t get access to GnRHa blockers and still want to suppress puberty, what are the options?
Trans masculine people can use testosterone to suppress ovarian function and estrogen production, or they can use raloxifene to stop the actions of estrogen.
We have a supply of puberty blockers, is it illegal for my child to continue to use them?
Absolutely not.
How do I know if my child is ready to begin gender-affirming hormone treatment?
Starting gender-affirming hormones is a big step. When your child is settled in their gender identity, able to understand the effects of hormones, and ready to start the puberty associated with their gender identity, then they are eligible to start ...
Is there an age limit on accessing hormones?
International guidelines and best practice confirm that hormones should be started when the child is ready to go through puberty associated with their gender. When they understand the effects of the hormones and are happy that the changes will ...
How do I access a recommendation from GenderGP?
Fill in this form, and please note the following: If you have yet to have received a recommendation from GenderGP, or a prescription from one of our independent prescribers, please follow the enrollment route and choose ‘I am waiting to start…’ ...
What are the alternatives to GnRha blockers?
One must always act within the law but other alternatives for puberty blockade are available. For those who are ready for gender-affirming hormones, those can be enough to suppress natural hormone production, especially in trans masculine people. ...
Why has the government banned puberty blockers?
We are shocked that they have done so and are heavily against such a ban. To interfere with medicine and healthcare will be immensely harmful. However, a lack of knowledge, fear and discrimination has led to unusual steps being taken.
What assessments do I need?
GenderGP provides recommendations to people who satisfy the ICD-11 criteria for Gender Incongruence and who have the capacity to consent to treatment, or have someone who can consent for them.
How can I get access to puberty blockers?
GenderGP is a long-established service which provides recommendations for people in relation to gender-affirming care. Their software analyses your medical history and preferences in line with clinical guidelines, research and best practice to make ...
What are the side effects of puberty blockers?
The side effects are usually associated with the lack of sex hormones that is achieved, so symptoms in common with the menopause such as hot flushes are common but subside quite quickly.
How long do GnRHa agonists last for?
Although the injections are usually given every three months, in reality they can last much longer. It is not known how soon after the three months that people’s natural hormone production will start to resume, as everyone is different, but it is not ...
Which medicines are used to block puberty?
The most commonly used puberty blocker is GnRHa agonists which are given by injection or nasal spray. Other options which are used to prevent the effects of the sex hormones are spironolactone or finasteride to prevent the actions of testosterone, or ...
What are puberty blockers?
Puberty blockers are used to stop the production or action of sex hormones in the body. If used during puberty, they therefore block pubertal development. This is useful for people who are undergoing gender reassignment or people who are experiencing ...
Does a family member have to be involved in my treatment plan?
We want everyone to be supported in their gender journey, some have more support than others. If you don’t have someone close to you to help then we will be there to support you. Not having someone who understands this is not a reason why we would ...
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