SynthesisFrontiers in endocrinology2025
Use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists in transgender and gender diverse youth: a systematic review.
Synthesis in Frontiers in endocrinology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. It is linked to trial NCT07481942 (Body Composition Adaptations Following Initiation of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy in Transgender Populations.), which is not on this map. Cited by 4 papers.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Body Composition Adaptations Following Initiation of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy in Transgender Populations.
Who cites it
4 citing papers in PubMed.
- Rapid review of gender-affirming healthcare for children and adolescents: Evidence synthesis (2021-2025) and recommendations for South Africa.Southern African journal of HIV medicine · 2026Review
- Long-term testicular changes caused by the temporary suspension of puberty initiated at different stages of development.Frontiers in cell and developmental biology · 2026Article
- Rapid Review of Gender-Affirming Healthcare for Children and Adolescents: Evidence Synthesis (2021-2025) and Recommendations for South Africa.Research square · 2025Article
- Psychological and Physical Health Outcomes Associated with Gender-Affirming Medical Care for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth: A Critical Review.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025Review
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
27 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Introduction: Puberty suppression using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) is a reversible medical intervention that halts endogenous puberty, allowing transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) adolescents to avoid the development of secondary sexual characteristics that may cause psychological distress. This pause in pubertal progression provides time to explore gender identity or facilitates alignment with affirmed gender in those with an established identity. While widely used, long-term evidence on the efficacy and safety of GnRHa in this population remains limited. This systematic review aims to synthesize current data on the benefits and potential risks of GnRHa in TGD adolescents. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and other databases, covering studies published from February 2011 to February 2024. Eligible studies included adolescents under 18 with gender dysphoria or incongruence treated with GnRHa, reporting outcomes related to efficacy or side effects. Fifty-one studies met inclusion criteria, and data on physical health, mental health, bone density, fertility, and adverse events were extracted and assessed using the GRADE approach. Results: Of the 51 studies, 22 were rated as moderate to high-quality evidence. GnRHa effectively suppressed puberty and secondary sex characteristics. Effects on growth and body composition varied; bone mineral density declined during treatment, particularly in AMAB individuals. Mental health improved significantly, including reduced depression, anxiety, and suicidality-especially when GnRHa was followed by gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). Quality of life improved over time, while body dissatisfaction often persisted during suppression and improved after GAHT or surgery. No moderate- or high-quality evidence was found on fertility, sexual function, or cancer risk. Conclusion: GnRHa is effective in halting puberty and improving mental health in TGD adolescents. However, key clinical and ethical considerations-such as bone health monitoring, fertility counseling, psychological support, and informed decision-making-must guide treatment. Long-term safety remains uncertain, particularly regarding skeletal health, reproductive outcomes and cancer risk. A precision medicine approach and co-produced longitudinal studies are essential to support safe, individualized care. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk, identifier CRD42024528334.
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