Thanks for the update Serena, it's great to know the Endocrine Society is making thoughtful recommendations as this. But, it's still like Dale stated, there are going to be parents that are Transphobic and will remain hostile toward their own children, I know well how that one goes. On the other hand the medical community is helping to further the education in this still not well know human condition which is just natures way of saying, WTF!

The blockers stall the effects of the body's hormones, this is not a recommended long term treatment on its own due to the adverse effects to which a body requires of hormones. Skeletal effects being the primary known concern at present. The advantage in short term use is that the blocking effect can be reversed on termination of use resorts the body back to its biological pathway, the younger the age the more the reversal due to the fact that the body is still developing. Its the actual introduction of hormones which has some non reversible effects for both FtM and MtF. But this is just singing to the quire in the TS community!

What is needed more for transgender and gay youth in this country is the removal of phobic views that stigmatize them. We are all aware as a community of ABC-LGBT-WXYZ (didn't want to miss anyone there) that the shameful actions and words of the superstitious fairy-tale believing Rome empowered cult followers who hide behind their antiquated book of fables while still trying to deny each and every freedom guaranteed under our Constitution to all but their own followers are the very people that cause many of our hopes to move a snail pace. Of course, until people become aware that looking for the easy answer is not the answer and that reason, research and taking a step into the future rather than into the past will give us all the answers we seek about the truth of humanity. Hiding their heads in the sand and pointing fingers only leaves their asses exposed, and it's a big damn ass too.

People of reason in the AMA and the APA have taken a big step for the treatment of transgender youth and adults in their own recommendations and maybe, just maybe our own new President elect will stick to his word and finally the stop the unfair practices of politics and its use by misguided people in marginalizing any American! I will definitely give a sigh of relief when the Shrub is no longer sitting in the oval orifice!

Anywho, this is just my two cents worth. Still, you have to admire the Medical Society, the majority that is, in how they care for all issues pertaining to the medical field. At least Transgender children will begin to have a better chance in life and just in case they may find themselves questioning themselves later then they do have the safety of medical supervision! All we need do now is get the phobiacs to stop meddling in other peoples lives and mind their won damn business! Whatever that is?