Puberty blockers cause long-term health issues for boys, Mayo Clinic study finds: 'May be permanent'
Puberty blockers have been shown to cause long-term fertility problems in boys, according to a preprint study from Mayo Clinic.
The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, analyzed more than 130,000 sperm cells from male children with gender dysphoria.
All participants were 17 or younger.
The researchers analyzed the testicular cells of boys who had been taking puberty blockers for anywhere from three months to 52 months, and compared them to cells of a control group who had not been on the blockers.
Among those on puberty blockers, the researchers identified mild to severe "sex gland atrophy," determining that the medications accelerated the aging and function of testicular cells.
The findings suggest that puberty blockers' impacts may be permanent - disputing claims that such effects can be reversed.
The researchers also detected cases of microlithiasis, which is marked by the presence of small clusters of calcium in the testicles..............
In 2021, approximately 42,167 children received gender dysphoria diagnoses, almost triple the 15,172 reported in 2017, according to Reuters.
"Much of this is politically driven, and may lead to premature treatments that are not offered in the U.K., Finland, Sweden or many other countries," Siegel said.
COPY OF MAYO CLINIC STUDY, CLICK ON LINK
Puberty Blocker and Aging Impact on Testicular Cell States and Function
PHOTO CREDIT DOCTOR ON MICROSCOPE UNSPLASH