A federally funded study led by Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy and launched in 2015 has found that puberty blockers do not provide significant mental health benefits for minors, according to the recently released final report. The study, which tracked about 95 youth ages 8 to 16 over two years, reported no significant improvement in depression, emotional functioning, or parent-reported behavioral measures among participants receiving puberty blockers.
The findings add to the ongoing debate over the use of puberty blockers and hormone therapies in children, with critics arguing the treatments lack evidence of benefit and pose long-term risks. The study's release follows years of delay, with publication occurring only after the Oversight Project filed a lawsuit to obtain the data. The report states that mental health metrics for the youth remained essentially stable, indicating that serious mental health conditions present before treatment persisted after two years of intervention. The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health and intended to clarify the effects of these therapies on young people with gender dysphoria.
"The public paid for the truth. Publication was delayed because the results upended their preferred ideological narrative. That is a profound betrayal of scientific integrity."
— Doug Napier, executive chairman and CEO of 1792 Exchange
Background and Policy Context
The Wolves in White Coats report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) also highlights concerns about the rapid expansion of puberty blocker use in minors, citing problematic insurance coding and financial incentives for providers. The HHS's 2025 evidence review similarly concluded that evidence supporting puberty blockers is weak and that significant risks exist for young patients. These findings have contributed to recent policy changes, including a finalized rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ending federal Medicaid and CHIP funding for puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries for minors. HHS has made the report and related resources available to the public through its Gender Dysphoria Report.
Internationally, independent reviews in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, and Norway have led to sharp restrictions or abandonment of puberty blocker use in minors. In these countries, health authorities have cited insufficient evidence of benefit and concerns about long-term safety. The United States has seen a similar shift, with federal agencies and state governments reevaluating coverage and support for these interventions.
In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission and several states continue to pursue legal action against the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), whose "Standards of Care" have been described in court as "opinions" amid ongoing medical debate and uncertainty. The legal actions reflect broader questions about the scientific basis for gender-affirming treatments and the role of professional organizations in shaping clinical practice.
Corporate Coverage and Ongoing Debate
Despite these developments, research from 1792 Exchange indicates that at least 560 major U.S. companies still cover puberty blockers and related interventions for minor dependents in their employee health plans. However, some large employers, including Charles Schwab and Walmart, have recently removed such coverage, citing concerns about evidence and corporate responsibility. The decisions by these companies reflect a growing trend among employers to reassess health benefits in light of evolving scientific findings and regulatory changes.
Supporters of gender-affirming care argue that access to puberty blockers and hormone therapies is essential for the well-being of transgender youth, but did not immediately respond to the latest findings or policy changes. Advocates maintain that these treatments can reduce distress and improve quality of life for some young people, while opponents point to the lack of demonstrated mental health benefit and the potential for long-term harm.
Ongoing Research and Future Directions
The NIH-funded study is among the largest and longest-running efforts to assess the mental health impact of puberty blockers in minors. Its findings, along with recent policy reviews and international developments, are likely to influence future research priorities and clinical guidelines. Policymakers, clinicians, and families continue to navigate a complex landscape as they weigh the risks and benefits of medical interventions for gender dysphoria in youth.
