Experiences of Puberty and Puberty Blockers: Insights From Trans Children, Trans Adolescents, and Their Parents

This research explored experiences of transgender children and their families approaching into adolescence, understanding relating to puberty blocking medication. Data were drawn from 30 parents trans adolescents who at time interview, an average age 11 years old. Parental interviewees 90% white, 93% female, 100% cis, 60% heterosexual. Additional data 10 adolescents, 12 Interviews held remotely, with across the UK. Rich qualitative interviews, averaging 2 hours for parents, 25 minutes children, covered aspects family life, healthcare, education. article examined a sub-set on adolescents’ puberty, accessing, or trying access, blockers. Research received ethical approval author’s university. analyzed through inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Three major themes are presented, pre-pubertal anxiety; difficulties accessing blockers; and, minority blockers, relief frustration. The has significant relevance families, healthcare professionals policymakers, all seeking protect adolescent mental health well-being.