New International Guidelines Recommend Hormone Blockers For Transgender Youth

[Natasha]

New International Guidelines Recommend Hormone Blockers For Transgender Youth

http://www.bilerico.com/2008/12/new_international_guidelines_recommend_h.php
Serena Freewomyn
December 9, 2008 10:00 AM

A new report from the Endocrine Society issued this week recommends hormone blockers for children and teens diagnosed with gender identity disorder. Hormone blockers would essentially delay puberty and give children and their parents time to decide the best course of action. According to ABC News:

The hope is that by delaying puberty, young teens will be given valuable thinking time in which they can decide if they are sure they want to begin gender reassignment using cross-sex hormones at the age of 16.

Ultimately, this strategy would also make it easier for them to live in their chosen gender. For example, potential male-to-female transsexuals will not have developed the deep voice, facial changes and body hair associated with adult masculinity. Gender-reassignment surgery should be avoided until the age of 18, the guidelines say.