Bone density loss from puberty blockers ‘reversible’ in transgender patients

Associate Professor Ada Cheung said findings from the Dutch study reflected her own clinical experience.
Associate Professor Ada Cheung.

Bone density loss in teenagers with gender dysphoria prescribed puberty blockers is mostly reversible with long-term gender-affirming hormone treatment in adulthood, Dutch doctors report in a landmark study.

While bone mineral accrual is suspended during puberty suppression with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, their results from 75 transgender adults suggested this adverse effect was only temporary for those who continued to receive testosterone therapy.