As U.S. lawmakers continue to debate health care issues concerning transgender youth, a recent study published in a medical journal has shed light on the actual number of young people receiving gender-affirming medications. The study revealed that fewer than 1 in 1,000 U.S. adolescents with commercial insurance received gender-affirming medications, such as puberty blockers or hormones, over a five-year period.
These findings come at a crucial time as at least 26 states have implemented laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, leading to legal challenges in many of these states. The U.S. Supreme Court is currently considering a case from Tennessee that could have significant implications for transgender health care.
The study, which analyzed data from a large insurance claims database covering over 5 million patients aged 8 to 17, found that only a small number of adolescents received puberty blockers or hormones. Specifically, 926 adolescents received puberty blockers, and 1,927 received hormones during the study period.
Notably, the study revealed that no patients under the age of 12 were prescribed hormones, indicating that medical professionals are exercising caution in determining the appropriate timing for such treatments.
Dr. Scott Leibowitz, a co-lead author of the adolescent standards of care for a prominent transgender health organization, emphasized that not all transgender youth opt for medical interventions. He highlighted the importance of individualized care that involves experts in adolescent identity development and collaboration with families to determine the most suitable approach for each young person.
Overall, the study aims to provide a more accurate understanding of the utilization of gender-affirming medications among transgender adolescents and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on best practices in transgender health care.
