Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s controversial comments about his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Wilson, have sparked widespread discussion. In a recent conversation with psychologist Jordan Peterson, Musk claimed he was tricked into signing paperwork allowing Vivian to take puberty blockers, referring to her with male pronouns. He stated that his “son” had been “killed” by “the woke mind virus”. Vivian, in response, asserted that she had “disowned him, not the other way around”. This statement follows her 2022 legal name change from Xavier to Vivian and the adoption of her mother’s surname, Justine Wilson.
Musk’s comments have thrust the spotlight onto puberty blockers, prompting questions about their function and use. Puberty blockers, also known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues, are prescribed to delay the physical changes associated with puberty in transgender and gender-diverse youth.
During puberty, the brain sends hormonal signals to the gonads, ovaries in females and testicles in males, triggering physical changes that lead to sexual maturity and reproductive capability. Dr. Michelle Forcier, a professor of paediatrics at Brown University, explains that puberty blockers essentially “fool the brain” into halting these signals, preventing the ovaries and testes from secreting hormones. “The brain thinks it’s got enough hormones and doesn’t message the ovaries and testes to get to work,” she explains.
The primary use of puberty blockers is for teens experiencing gender dysphoria, which refers to the distress experienced when one’s assigned sex at birth doesn’t align with their gender identity. Dr. Subhash Kumar Wangnoo, a senior consultant endocrinologist, explains that for teens with gender dysphoria, the medication “pauses sex hormones,” allowing them time to explore their gender identity without undergoing irreversible biological changes.
Experts emphasize that the biological changes associated with puberty can significantly impact the mental well-being of adolescents questioning their gender identity. These changes can lead to distress, depression, suicidal ideation, and other negative health outcomes. Forcier highlights that puberty blockers prevent “permanent changes that we can’t necessarily fix or eradicate in the future,” effectively pausing the process and allowing time for exploration and affirmation.
In individuals assigned male at birth, puberty blockers temporarily halt voice deepening, facial hair growth, and testicular or penile development. For those assigned female at birth, they prevent breast development and menstruation. Beyond their use for transgender youth, puberty blockers are also prescribed for precocious puberty, a condition where a child’s body begins to mature too early.
The benefits of puberty blockers for transgender and gender-diverse youth extend beyond delaying physical changes. They play a crucial role in improving mental well-being by easing anxiety and depression, fostering social interactions, and mitigating suicidal thoughts and actions. Puberty blockers can also potentially prevent the need for future gender-affirming surgeries. However, experts emphasize that these medications are not a standalone solution and should be used in conjunction with medical and behavioral treatments.
Regarding safety, experts consistently state that puberty blockers are generally safe. Dr. Lauren Wilson, a pediatric hospitalist, highlights their proven “highly safe and effective” track record. Common side effects include a decrease in bone density due to the temporary halting of puberty hormones. However, once puberty resumes or hormone therapy is initiated, bone mineralization typically normalizes. Other potential side effects may include weight gain, hot flashes, headaches, and mood swings.
While puberty blockers are considered safe, experts warn of a possible risk of infertility if individuals transition directly from puberty blockers to hormone therapy without a period of natural puberty.
In recent developments, the United Kingdom implemented an emergency ban on private clinics prescribing puberty blockers to children under 18. This ban, set to last until September, has been challenged in court, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding the use of these medications.
Elon Musk’s remarks have rekindled the conversation surrounding puberty blockers and their role in the lives of transgender and gender-diverse youth. As research continues and societal understanding evolves, the debate over these medications is likely to persist, highlighting the need for respectful dialogue, informed decision-making, and prioritizing the well-being of all individuals, particularly those navigating complex gender identities.
