Medical interventions for pediatric gender dysphoria—commonly described as puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender-affirming surgeries—are associated in the literature with potential risks including infertility/sterility, sexual dysfunction, impaired bone density accrual, adverse cognitive impacts, cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders, psychiatric disorders, surgical complications, and regret.
November 19, 2025
high
finding
List of potential adverse outcomes associated with medical and surgical treatments for minors with gender dysphoria as noted in evidence reviews.
A 2025 Department of Health and Human Services contingency plan estimated that 47% of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) staff would be furloughed if government funding lapsed on October 1, 2025.
October 01, 2025
high
statistic
Workforce impact estimated in an HHS shutdown contingency plan.
Common medical interventions used in treating pediatric gender dysphoria include puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender-affirming surgeries.
high
descriptive
These categories of interventions are the main medical options considered in pediatric gender-affirming care.
Puberty blockers, cross-sex (cross-sex) hormones, and surgical procedures are types of medical interventions used to alter a minor's biological sex or to treat pediatric gender dysphoria.
high
temporal
General description of common medical interventions associated with gender-affirming care for children and adolescents.