Elon Musk, who is never short of controversies, has bagged yet another in his trunk. Recently, the Tesla CEO alleged that he was tricked into consenting to the use of puberty blockers by his son, who recognizes himself as transgender. Musk believes that his son was “(figuratively) killed by the woke mind virus.”
Musk had made these allegations in an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson. He addressed Vivian, with male pronouns throughout the conversation.
Xavier, in June 2022, came out as a transgender and changed her name to Vivian Jenna Wilson when she was 18. Vivian, in her interview with NBC, said, “I no longer want to be related to my biological father in any way, shape, or form.” Also, she mentioned in her interview with NBC that Musk had been “a cold, uncaring, and narcissistic father”.
After the controversy, the question of puberty blockers has made headlines. Here’s what it is and how it’s relevant in this case.
What Are Puberty Blockers?
Every individual experiences physical and hormonal changes when they reach a stage of sexual maturity and gain the ability to reproduce with the development of secondary sexual features like facial hair and breasts. This metamorphosis process is called puberty.
The subtle changes in the emotional realm of an individual can be scary and disturbing which leads to symptoms of social withdrawal and body image issues.
Puberty blockers are the drugs that are used to delay the onset of puberty in adolescents. These hormonal medications are scientifically termed gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. These medications temporarily stop the production of sex hormones namely- oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Reportedly, this hormonal medication has minimal side effects as it comes under the class of hormonal therapies like birth control pills, treatment for cancer, etc.
Dr. Michelle Forcier, a professor of paediatrics at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University in Rhode Island, explained in a conversation with CNN, “Puberty blockers are sort of like a man-made hormone analogue, and basically what they do is fool the brain into not sending messages to the ovaries and testes to secrete hormones.
The brain thinks it’s got enough hormones and doesn’t message the ovaries and testes to get to work. And so, the ovaries and testes kind of just rest or go to sleep until the brain gland wakes up again and tells them, ‘Time to secrete hormones’.”
Why Is It Relevant In This Case?
Hormonal drugs and therapies are provided to individuals who have gender dysphoria- which is an emotional turmoil of choosing between the gender assigned at birth or the gender they recognize themselves as puberty can lead to unwanted changes for those who do not feel that they’re confident of their gender identity. This can cause mental stress and anxiety.
Dr. Subhash Kumar Wangnoo, senior consultant, endocrinologist, and diabetologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said, “(Teens) might feel that their bodies are betraying them because the developmental changes they’re experiencing don’t line up with how they identify. That’s why doctors halt physiological processes that act as stressors and threaten their mental health.”
Vivian’s case can be seen in this light where gender dysphoria can cause mental turbulence and the risks can be as serious as suicide, it is better to take one’s time to know their identity. These drugs reduce anxiety and keep away the suicidal tendencies of the teens facing identity crises.
Meredithe McNamara, an adolescent medicine physician at the Yale School of Medicine, in conversation with ScientificAmerica, says, “Puberty-blocking treatment is probably one of the most compassionate things that a parent can consent to for a transgender child.
It allows transgender children and their families the opportunity to weigh their options carefully, without the constant pressure of physical changes.”
Dr Wangnoo says that in cases of precocious puberty, where the child’s body starts changing before the age of 8 in females and 9 in males, are also given this therapy.
Read More: Elon Musk’s Daughter Files For A Petition To Change Name And Gender
What Are The Side Effects?
Dr. Lauren Wilson, a paediatric hospitalist in the United States, told CNN that the drugs are safe to use. However, they have certain side effects. She says, “The use of puberty blockers in any child or adolescent is associated with a risk of decrease in bone density, because bone mineralisation increases with puberty hormones. But when the medication is stopped and puberty resumes or other hormone treatments are started, bone mineralisation normalises.”
Mayo Clinic corroborates the view and adds to the list of side effects, including headaches, weight gain, hot flashes, and mood swings. Dr Wangnoo says that the drugs can cause insomnia, irregular periods, and changes in breast tissues.
The controversy surrounding Elon Musk and his trans son Vivian Jenna Wilson has brought the topic of puberty blockers into the spotlight. These hormonal medications play a crucial role in managing gender dysphoria by delaying the physical changes of puberty, allowing individuals the necessary time to explore their gender identity without added stress.
While Musk’s comments have fueled debates, experts in medicine and psychology underline the compassion and necessity behind the use of puberty blockers for transgender youth.
As society continues to evolve in its understanding and acceptance of gender diversity, it is vital to approach such topics with empathy and informed perspectives. The debate may rage on, but the ultimate goal should remain the well-being and mental health of individuals like Vivian, who are navigating their unique journeys.
Image Credits: Google Images
Feature image designed by Saudamini Seth
Sources: Firstpost, Indian Express, News 18
This post is tagged under: Elon Musk, Transgender Rights, Gender Dysphoria, Puberty Blockers, LGBTQ, Trans Youth, Mental Health, Gender Identity, Parenting, Jordan Peterson, Vivian Jenna Wilson, Trans Health, LGBTQ Support, Medical Science, Hormone Therapy
Disclaimer: We do not hold any right, or copyright over any of the images used, these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly mail us.
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