Evan Urquhart

You have no idea how uncommon the use of puberty blockers in pediatrics has been. Tertiary referral center rare. Lots of side effects. Only used in extreme cases.

So you do or do not support using them in 'extreme cases'? Just to cut through the bs here, doctor? You think they should NEVER be used in minor children, or do you not think that?

If a 5 yr old girl is heading into full puberty, that’s an appropriate use. You would give them for 3-4 years. They would be inappropriate for an 8 yr old, and they are definitely inappropriate for girls past menarche.

Great! What physical- not social or psychological- issues does puberty cause to a 5 yr olds body that it doesn't cause to an 8 year olds?

Oh, related question- for this 5 yr old who you'd recommend blockers for, would you remove them swiftly at 8, or a more normative age for onset of menses like 10 or 11?

(assuming of course the child is tolerating them well, parent and child not eager for the child to start menses)

The normal range for menarche is 9-17. I personally started my periods at age 10. Once a kid is on PBs, they are out of my hands and thus I wouldn't make these decisions, but if asked, my answer would depend more on bone age than anything else.

So, it sounds like you're in favor of dangerous experimental drugs for very young children and in favor of keeping them on them longer than the absolute minimum?