Are you looking for up-to-date and reliable information about puberty blockers?
There is a lot of public discussion about puberty blockers at the moment, and it can be hard for families and whānau to find the information they need in an accessible form.
To address this gap, this is a series of three information sheets about puberty blockers, compiled in Aotearoa New Zealand (August 2023) The info sheets were compiled by a researcher in trans health, with input from a clinician providing gender-affirming care to trans young people and community experts in transgender health and wellbeing. The sheets aim to help families and whānau better understand how puberty blockers are used in the care of transgender young people in Aotearoa.
Below are the digital versions, followed by the print-friendly versions that may be more accessible for readers.
update:
Since these information sheets were made, the report on the Cass Review of delivery of transition-related care in the United Kingdom has been released. This report has been used to restrict access to puberty blockers in the United Kingdom, with pressure to do so elsewhere too. The Cass report has been strongly criticised by experts in gender-affirming care in Aotearoa.
In July 2024, an international report from Yale University found the Cass Review to be critically flawed. You can read about the conclusions of the Yale report here
information sheets on puberty blockers
current evidence on puberty blockers
This information sheet summarises current scientific knowledge on the effects of puberty blockers for transgender youth. It is based on a literature review by clinicians and researchers in transgender health in August 2023. Its purpose is to assist whānau, families and health professionals supporting transgender young people by providing up-to-date and reliable information about puberty blockers.
family experiences of puberty blockers in aotearoa
In this information sheet, parents and caregivers of transgender young people in Aotearoa share what access to puberty blockers has meant for their children. This is intended to help family and whānau better understand the effects of puberty blockers for transgender youth, based on lived experiences. Parents and caregivers say puberty blockers have given their children time and space to make decisions, stopped unwanted physical changes, improved their wellbeing, reduced distress, and in some cases saved their lives.
Note: Some of the experiences discussed in this information sheet include self-harm and suicidal behaviour. We encourage you to take care of yourself when reading, and we list support sources at the end.
clinical experiences of puberty blockers in aotearoa
This information sheet discusses how puberty blockers are used in caring for transgender young people in Aotearoa, based on an interview in 2023 with an clinician who is experienced in this area. The information sheet discusses how use of blockers varies according to a young person’s age and gender embodiment goals and addresses common questions about their use. It is intended for family and whānau of transgender young people in New Zealand who are looking for extra detail on the use of puberty blockers. Some of the information may also be useful for clinicians working with transgender young people and their families and whānau.