Puberty Assessment and Consideration of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonists in Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth

Abstract

Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) youth may pursue gender-affirming medical therapy in the form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa), or “puberty blockers,” if pubertal changes result in the development or worsening of gender dysphoria. GnRHa monotherapy can allow TGD youth to explore gender without the distress of unwanted secondary sexual characteristics. However, given the potential effects of GnRHa on growth, skeletal development, neurodevelopment, fertility, and future surgical outcomes, it is critical to accurately assess pubertal status to facilitate fully informed conversations with TGD youth and families about risks, benefits, and unknown consequences of GnRHa monotherapy. The focus of this discussion will be on the approach to puberty assessment in TGD youth as well as the different effects of GnRHa monotherapy that may be important to TGD youth and their families. [ Pediatr Ann . 2023;52(12):e462–e466.]