A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal of JAMA Pediatrics found that puberty suppression in transgender and gender-diverse adolescents temporarily slows bone development, particularly at the lumbar spine. While absolute bone mineral density remained stable during puberty suppression, it increased modestly after gender-affirming hormone therapy, with partial recovery of bone health when compared to peers.

Puberty represents a key window for achieving peak bone mass, which plays an important role in determining fracture risk later in life. As the use of puberty blockers and gender-affirming hormone therapy continues to expand in gender-diverse youth, understanding their long-term effects on skeletal health has become increasingly important.

A new systematic review and meta-analysis has found that while pubertal suppression with temporarily slows bone mineral accrual in transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) adolescents, subsequent gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) promotes substantial recovery in bone health. However, researchers say the extent of long-term “catch-up” remains uncertain, underscoring the importance of careful monitoring during treatment.

  • LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    7
    ·
    2 days ago

    Yeah I don’t disagree with the broader point but I think what you write might be erasing some people’s experiences a bit. That’s all I’m saying.

    • TRAHR@quokk.auOP
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      9
      ·
      2 days ago

      But if you allow children to get on HRT when they want, the ones what want it could and the ones that want to wait still could.

      By allowing choices instead of removing them because cis people are worried we don’t know what we want, despite study after study showing basically no one regrets it you help everyone.