The New York Times recently published a piece in which it cast doubt on the safety and efficacy of puberty blockers when it comes to treating gender dysphoria in children. It was a rather surprising move given that the activist media outlet has typically peddled the progressive narrative on “gender-affirming care” for kids.
Nevertheless, authors Megan Twohey and Christina Jewett wrote a report titled “They Paused Puberty, but Is There a Cost?” in which they explored the negative impact of prescribing drugs designed to suppress puberty in children.
Yes, I know you might feel like you’re living in the Twilight Zone, dear reader. But stranger things have happened.
From the article:
[Puberty blocker] use is typically framed as a safe — and reversible — way to buy time to weigh a medical transition and avoid the anguish of growing into a body that feels wrong. Transgender adolescents suffer from disproportionately high rates of depression and other mental health issues. Studies show that the drugs have eased some patients’ gender dysphoria — a distress over the mismatch of their birth sex and gender identity.
“Anxiety drains away,” said Dr. Norman Spack, who pioneered the use of puberty blockers for trans youth in the United States and is one of many physicians who believe the drugs can be lifesaving. “You can see these kids being so relieved.”
The authors then note that while the number of adolescents who identify as transgender has increased drastically, “concerns are growing among some medical professionals about the consequences of the drugs.”
“The questions are fueling government reviews in Europe, prompting a push for more research and leading some prominent specialists to reconsider at what age to prescribe them and for how long. A small number of doctors won’t recommend them at all,” the authors noted.
The article points out that “there is emerging evidence of potential harm from using blockers, according to reviews of scientific papers and interviews with more than 50 doctors and academic experts around the world.”
Puberty blockers work by suppressing estrogen and testosterone. These are the hormones that aid in the development of the reproductive system. However, this can impact the bones, brain, and other critical body parts. “During puberty, bone mass typically surges, determining a lifetime of bone health. When adolescents are using blockers, bone density growth flatlines, on average, according to an analysis commissioned by The Times of observational studies examining the effects,” the authors wrote.
While some doctors believe patients who experience bone density loss will recover if they cease taking the drugs, two studies found that “many do not fully rebound and lag behind their peers,” according to the New York Times.
As a result, these individuals could experience a bigger risk of suffering serious fractures earlier in life. Puberty blockers could also have other detrimental effects, forcing “life-altering choices” that are made “before patients know who they really are.”
Doctors opposing puberty blockers argue that going through puberty can help patients clarify their actual gender. Indeed, other studies have shown that the vast majority of children who experience gender dysphoria grow out of it without the use of drugs or surgical procedures.
The authors also acknowledged that European countries like the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Finland placed restrictions on these treatments after performing more research showing that they do not benefit the mental health of children. Indeed, these nations have now prohibited the use of puberty blockers except in experimental settings.
Apparently, I wasn’t the only one surprised that the New York Times would publish such an article. It is far more truthful than the pro-transing kids propaganda that the outlet has been putting out. “It’s absolutely fascinating, watching the New York Times slowly, painfully course-correct on [pediatric] transition over the past several years – still a long way to go, but an awful lot better than, say, four years ago,” Helen Joyce, author of “Trans: When Ideology Meets Reality,” said to Fox News.
Brandon Showalter, a reporter for the Christian Post, tweeted:
The New York Times has no shame. I’m just amazed at their gall. Today, the far-left Bible is finally asking if there is a “cost” to chemical puberty blockers.
Not gonna lie, for those of us who have been shouting into the void for several years, this is kind of enraging.
The New York Times has no shame. I'm just amazed at their gall. Today, the far-left Bible is finally asking if there is a "cost" to chemical puberty blockers.
Not gonna lie, for those of us who have been shouting into the void for several years, this is kind of enraging.— Brandon M Showalter (@BrandonMShow) November 14, 2022
Given the fact that the New York Times has spent so much time propagandizing the benefits of “gender-affirming care” for minors suffering from gender dysphoria, it is difficult to give them credit for finally coming around on this issue. Moreover, while they were willing to publish a piece going against the narrative, it does not mean they will not still insist on trying to convince their readers that prescribing medications that could have permanent effects on children is a good idea.
Still, it is good that at least some truth is being featured on the outlet’s website. Unfortunately, it might be a while yet before other activist media organizations are willing to do the same.
