New Analysis Finds Exaggerated Benefits in Youth Gender Transition Studies

A new review of studies on hormonal interventions for children with gender dysphoria did not find consistent improvement in mental health; claiming otherwise is misleading.

A newly published review in a prestigious medical journal has found that many studies on hormonal treatments for children with gender dysphoria have exaggerated their benefits. The analysis, led by Kathleen McDeavitt from the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine, revealed that many studies presented positive conclusions about hormonal interventions even when the findings were insignificant, small, or even negative.

Proponents of early medical transition argue it can reduce suicide risk, often describing hormonal interventions as “life-saving care.” However, McDeavitt's review of 14 long-term studies reveals that the majority did not find improvements in depression or suicidality. In fact, the largest study included in the review reported