Puberty blockers potentially have a negative impact on neuropsychological functioning
A 2024 review by Sallie Baxendale1 extensively examined the neuropsychological impacts of puberty blockers. The review indicated that animal studies showed a non-reversible negative impact on cognitive and behavioral functions. In human studies, the evidence suggested detrimental effects on IQ among those treated with puberty blockers for precocious puberty. Specifically, one study documented an average decrease in full-scale IQ of 7 points, including a case where an individual’s IQ fell by 15 points from 138 to 123 after treatment. Another case study involving a gender dysphoric young person reported a drop of 9 points in global (overall) IQ and 15 points in working memory during the course of treatment with puberty blockers.