Stop off label use of puberty blockers in BC
Every country that honestly examines the use of endocrine disruptors for ‘gender dysphoria’ bans or severely limits their use.
Are our children different?
Though they’re Not Approved For Use TransCare BC routinely provides them to children.
Puberty blockers are being used as a primary means of gender affirming care for minors experiencing gender dysphoria. However, there is growing concern among medical professionals, parents, and researchers about the long-term effects and ethics of administering these treatments to young individuals whose bodies and identities are still developing.
Known adverse effects of puberty blockers include:
Skeleton
loss of bone mineral density (BMD)
lowered peak BMD
osteoporosis and osteopenia
increased risk of fractures
decreased bone turnover
periodontal disease
Cardiovascular & Diabetes Risk
increased risk of heart attack, heart disease, and stroke
diabetes mellitus
metabolic syndrome (MetS)
lowered resting heart rate
high blood pressure
weight gain and increased % body fat
insulin resistance and higher glycemic markers
arterial stiffness and arterial plaque
vasculitis (vein inflammation)
angina (severe chest pain)
Eyes
cataracts
Thyroid
impaired thyroid function
changes in TSH, FT3, and FT3/FT4 ratios hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
thyroiditis
Autoimmunity
increase in natural killer cells
increased risk of autoimmune disease
thyroid autoimmunity
autoimmune disease in the gut
Digestive System & Urinary Tract
frequent urination
bloody urine
constipation and poor gut motility
nausea and vomiting
chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction
Brain
intracranial hypertension
pseudotumor cerebri
seizures
pituitary tumors and pituitary apoplexy
Reproductive System & Sexuality
low libido and chemical castration
lack of reproductive development
regression of sexual development
penile shortening
infertility
vaginal dryness
vaginal bleeding
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Cognition & Mental Health
lowered intelligence and IQ
memory loss
impaired working memory
impaired attention, executive function, and visual spatial ability
increased risk of dementia
anxiety and depression
insomnia and other sleep disorders
increased emotional reactivity
increased suicidality
psychosis
mania
Pain & Discomfort
hot flashes
headaches and migraines
injection site pain
sterile abscesses
injection site granulomas
fibromyalgia
muscle spasms
nerve, joint, and bone pain
abdominal pain
Research on puberty blockers remains limited, with most studies only examining short-term outcomes. Critics argue that we lack sufficient data on the potential irreversible consequences of delaying natural puberty, such as bone density issues, cognitive development impacts, and fertility implications. The National Institute of Health (NIH) and other reputable sources highlight the necessity for more comprehensive, longitudinal studies before these treatments can be deemed safe for widespread use among minors.
Moreover, ethical questions arise regarding the ability of minors to consent to such life-altering decisions. The Royal College of General Practitioners has expressed concern about the pressure on healthcare providers to prescribe these treatments without exhaustive psychological evaluation and the societal implications of normalizing medical interventions in the natural developmental process of young people.
We understand the need for compassionate and effective care for those experiencing gender dysphoria, but we believe there should be rigorous standards and safeguards in place to protect young individuals. There should be an emphasis on supportive mental health care and thorough counseling as alternatives while more data is gathered.
We urge lawmakers and healthcare authorities to act responsibly by banning the use of puberty blockers for gender affirming care in minors until significant, peer-reviewed research can confirm their safety and efficacy. The long-term welfare of our children depends on making informed and cautious decisions.
Sign this petition to voice your concern and demand change in our healthcare policies regarding the use of puberty blockers for minors. Your support can lead to a future where every child receives safe, ethical, and evidence-based care.