What’s the purpose of puberty suppression for transgender youth?

Puberty suppression can be used in early-adolescence for individuals who feel disconnected with the gender assigned at birth (clinically this is called “gender dysphoria”). Early on in puberty, doctors can prescribe a puberty suppressant that halts puberty where it’s at, allowing that person to avoid developing sex characteristics that may contribute to discomfort or worsen anxiety about developing in a given gender. Puberty suppression is fully reversible, meaning that if the medicine is stopped puberty will continue. However, if the individual would like to continue with the “gender affirmation” process (steps needed to help that person achieve their desired gender) they can start taking their desired gender hormone after a couple of years on puberty suppressants or around the age of 15.