We can all agree that children and adolescents should be loved for who they are. But is love (1) affirming a person’s perceived gender OR (2) providing intensive psychological evaluation and support, recognizing their true biologic sex that cannot be changed?

As a board certified internist and pediatrician I have always relied upon the examination of the full scope of scientific data to recommend the most appropriate care and thereby help my patients make informed decisions of what is best for them. The recent article titled ‘Life-saving’ in the Sunday Feb 26 Sun-Gazette presented, in my opinion, a one-sided overly simplified endorsement of the gender affirmation approach. The only adverse side effect mentioned was male-pattern baldness. The psychologic benefits of reduced depression were touted with the outrageous claim that suicide is reduced from 41% to 2%.

Puberty blocking hormonal therapy is not FDA approved. Hormonal therapy is life long even after top and bottom surgery. Estrogen use in male biology increases the risk of blood clots, breast cancer, osteoporosis, strokes and insulin resistance. Testosterone use in female biology increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, and severe acne. The adolescent brain is also chemically altered rendering an individual infertile, and this is not proven to be fully reversible.

Studies have not consistently proven that gender affirmation and transition improves the mental health of individuals. A growing body of literature suggests just the opposite. Most studies that tout benefit are of short duration and reported from gender clinics. A 2020 Swedish study involving 9.7 million residents showed that neither gender affirming hormone therapy or surgery improved mental health benchmarks.

Scientific and legal evidence is driving an international pushback against gender affirming therapy in favor of intense psychological evaluation and support. I believe the majority of children with gender dysphoria have pre-existing psychologic conditions and/or adverse childhood experiences. Desistence (acceptance of one’s biologic sex) is the norm for minors with trans identification, resolving with proper support in an average of 85% by adulthood.

Why permanently medicalize an individual for a condition that usually goes away? The totality of evidence does not support the interruption of healthy pubertal development or the removal of normal body parts. God loves us as we are!

DR. RUSSELL GOMBOSI

Cogan Station

Submitted by email