Health
‘Gender-affirming’ treatments don’t benefit youth, says pediatricians group: ‘Irreversible consequences’
A national organization of pediatricians and other health care professionals claims that “gender-affirming” therapies have not been shown to benefit adolescents with gender dysphoria.
The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds), based in Florida, released a position statement on Feb. 7 stating that “social transition, puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones have no demonstrable, long-term benefit on the psychosocial well-being of adolescents with gender dysphoria.”
“A review of at least 60 research papers demonstrates no benefit to social affirmation, puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones or surgical interventions for these youth,” lead author and vice president of ACPeds, Dr. Jane Anderson, wrote in an email to Fox News Digital.
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All 60 of the reviewed studies focused on the mental health of adolescents struggling with gender dysphoria.
The position statement was voted on and passed by the ACPeds board and members, a spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
A national organization of pediatricians and other health care professionals claims that “gender-affirming” therapies have not been shown to benefit adolescents with gender dysphoria. (iStock)
In a fact sheet summarizing the findings, ACPeds noted that “youth whose perceived gender identity does not align with their biological sex have high rates of mental health problems regardless of any affirmation of their gender identities.”
Adolescents who identify as “gender-incongruent” often have existing mental health illnesses, including depression and anxiety, according to Anderson.
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ACPeds also stated that over half of LGBTQ+ sexual minority individuals experience “adverse childhood experiences,” including child abuse.
Transgender youth reported the highest levels of abuse and neglect, the data showed.
The researchers said their review “casts doubt on claims that social affirmation (like using desired pronouns) of transgender-identified youth helps their long-term psychosocial well-being.”
The researchers found that the use of puberty-blocking drugs — medications that delay puberty in children — did not have significant benefits for young people experiencing gender dysphoria. (iStock)
“Adolescents have immature brains and should not be allowed to make decisions with lifelong implications, such as decreased fertility, when they are so young,” Anderson told Fox News Digital.
In terms of specific therapies, the researchers found that the use of puberty-blocking drugs — medications that delay puberty in children — did not have significant benefits for youths experiencing gender dysphoria.
“Adolescents have immature brains and should not be allowed to make decisions with lifelong implications, such as decreased fertility, when they are so young.”
“A study [that] purported to show a ‘lifetime suicidal ideation’ reduction in those who received puberty blockers actually found twice as many serious suicidal attempts in participants who received the blockers than in those who just wished they had received them,” the study’s fact sheet noted.
Cross-sex hormonal interventions — treatments that trigger a transition to a desired gender — were also shown to have “little mental health benefit” and were even linked to a higher need for psychiatric care, ACPeds stated.
The data shows that a large percentage of gender-dysphoric adolescents will ultimately identify with their birth sex — which means in those cases the treatments are proven unnecessary, a doctor said. (iStock)
The review also discovered that many teens who pursue gender-affirming therapy — whether surgical or hormonal — ultimately revert to their biological gender.
“There are individuals who now express regret regarding their transition,” Anderson told Fox News Digital.
Doctors react to the report
Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert, was not involved in the analysis but shared his input on the topic, which he said is “often fueled by political bias and religious undertones.”
“I agree with the position statement of the ACPeds,” he told Fox News Digital. “Namely, a holistic approach with intense psychiatric interventions should be adopted prior to any gender-altering therapeutic.”
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The data shows that a large percentage of gender-dysphoric adolescents will ultimately identify with their birth sex, which means in those cases the treatments are proven unnecessary, the doctor noted.
“Medical professionals should strive to address gender dysphoria primarily through a holistic psychological approach — involving both the patient and family — before more invasive pharmaceutical or surgical measures,” Osborn told Fox News Digital.
Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert, said he agrees with the position statement issued by the ACPeds. (Dr. Brett Osborn)
While taking hormone-altering therapies or transitioning to the opposite sex has become “all the rage,” he said, the data suggests there is no long-term mental health benefit.
“In addition, those opting for hormone-altering therapies are potentially interfering with not only sexual development, but also brain development,” Osborn warned. “Testosterone and estrogen, the hormones primarily manipulated with such therapies, are integral to memory formation and mood.”
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The doctor also noted the dangers associated with “gender-affirming” surgeries.
“Adolescents, prior to undergoing intense psychiatric therapy, are opting for sex-change operations in an almost whimsical manner,” he said. “But this is short-sighted, and the decision is often tainted by ongoing psychological issues.”
He added, “Such surgeries permanently alter one’s physical appearance, carrying with them irreversible consequences, such as infertility and sexual dysfunction.”
“Adolescents, prior to undergoing intense psychiatric therapy, are opting for sex-change operations in an almost whimsical manner,” a doctor said. (Cyberguy.com)
Adolescents haven’t lived long enough to make such high-level decisions, according to Osborn.
“They’re confused,” he said. “An alternative must be sought.”
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, was also not involved in the ACPeds study, but commented on the findings of what he described as a “conservative advocacy group.”
“Hormone-altering therapies are potentially interfering with not only sexual development, but also brain development.”
“I am in favor of a more conservative approach as well in minors,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Long-term effects of puberty blockers may include bone loss, trouble concentrating, interference with learning and interference with fertility.”
Siegel added, “I think it makes sense in most cases to treat underlying mental health concerns before jumping into treatments, including surgery, that may be difficult to reverse.”
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, warned of the long-term effects of puberty blockers. (Fox News)
The doctor also emphasized that gender issues should not be overly politicized.
“This means not superimposing an ideology or pushing physicians to act in a certain way or under pressure,” Siegel said.
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“The welfare of the child must come first. In this case, it means going very slowly and providing support to a child or teen with gender dysphoria.”
Siegel also pointed out that many U.K. and European countries, from Sweden to France, have restricted gender-affirming care for adolescents in favor of mental health support.
Organizations in favor of gender-affirming procedures
The American Medical Association (AMA) states on its website that “improving access to gender-affirming care is an important means of improving health outcomes for the transgender population.”
“Receipt of gender-affirming care has been linked to dramatically reduced rates of suicide attempts, decreased rates of depression and anxiety, decreased substance use, improved HIV medication adherence and reduced rates of harmful self-prescribed hormone use,” the organization claimed.
Many U.K. and European countries, from Sweden to France, have restricted gender-affirming care for adolescents in favor of mental health support. (iStock)
The AMA also said it supports public and private health insurance coverage for the treatment of gender dysphoria.
The Office of Population Affairs (OASH), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, released a similar statement in support of gender-affirming care, calling it a “supportive form of health care that may include medical, surgical, mental health and non-medical services for transgender and nonbinary people.”
“The welfare of the child must come first.”
“Research demonstrates that gender-affirming care improves the mental health and overall well-being of gender-diverse children and adolescents,” the statement continued.
OASH claimed that gender-affirming care allows “transgender and nonbinary children and adolescents” to focus on social transitions and can increase their confidence in navigating the health care system.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also has expressed support of gender-affirming care, stating on its website that it recommends “providing youth with access to comprehensive gender-affirming and developmentally appropriate health care.”
The AAP also calls for electronic health records, notifications and research files to be updated to reflect the patient’s desired gender identity.
Fox News Digital reached out to the AMA, OASH and the American Academy of Pediatrics requesting comment on the ACPeds study.
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Chronic lateness is known to be a common annoyance, often leading to strain within relationships, experts have confirmed.
And for some people who struggle to be on time, the reasons may go far beyond poor planning.
Psychotherapist and author Jonathan Alpert told Fox News Digital that chronic lateness often stems from a combination of psychological patterns and neurobiological factors that people may not realize are influencing them.
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“For some people, it’s personality-driven. They’re distractible, optimistic about how long things take, or simply not tuned into the impact on others,” the New York-based expert said.
For others, the issue stems from neurobiological differences that affect how the brain manages time.
Chronic lateness may not stem from poor planning, but from psychological and neurobiological factors. (iStock)
That can make it harder to estimate how long tasks take or to transition from one activity to the next, leading to chronic lateness, according to Alpert.
Impact on relationships
In addition to disrupting schedules, chronic lateness may also strain relationships and create tension.
“Lateness erodes trust. Over time, it sends the message that someone else’s time is less important, even if that’s not the intent,” Alpert noted.
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Lateness can also become an issue in the workplace, where repeated delays can undermine teamwork and harm a person’s reputation.
These patterns are common among people with ADHD, who often experience what is known as “time blindness,” making it difficult to recognize how quickly minutes pass or how long tasks truly take.
“Adding 10 to 15 minutes of buffer between activities reduces the frantic rushing that leads to chronic lateness.”
ADHD is strongly associated with executive-function difficulties, which are the skills needed to stay organized, plan ahead and focus on essential details, according to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association.
When these abilities are weaker, it becomes more challenging to gauge time, follow a schedule and meet deadlines, which can impact personal and professional relationships, experts agree.
Frequent tardiness in a work setting can throw off group efforts and leave others with a negative impression of the employee. (iStock)
Underlying patterns
Anxiety, avoidance and perfectionism are patterns that Alpert most often sees in people who tend to run late, he noted.
“Many chronically late individuals don’t intend to be disrespectful. They’re overwhelmed, anxious or trying to squeeze too much into too little time,” he said.
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These emotional patterns often show up in different ways. For some, anxiety can make it difficult to begin even simple tasks, pushing everything behind schedule before the day has even started, according to Alpert.
For others, the struggle happens in the in-between moments. Shifting from one activity to another can feel surprisingly uncomfortable, so they linger longer than intended and lose time without noticing.
Anxiety is a major factor behind why some people have trouble being on time, according to experts. (iStock)
Others may get caught up in the details, as perfectionism keeps them adjusting or “fixing one more thing” as the minutes slip away, Alpert said.
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Another major factor, the expert shared, is that many people simply misjudge how long tasks take. Their internal sense of time is often inaccurate, which leads them to assume they can fit far more into a day than is realistically possible.
‘Time audit’
Alpert often recommends that his clients perform a simple “time audit,” where they track how long they think a routine task will take and then time it in real life. This can help them rebuild a more accurate internal clock, he said.
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“Adding 10 to 15 minutes of buffer between activities reduces the frantic rushing that leads to chronic lateness,” he said.
Many people with ADHD have a difficult time recognizing how quickly minutes pass or how long tasks truly take. (iStock)
Despite the challenges lateness can create, Alpert said people don’t have to be stuck with these habits forever. With the right support and consistent strategies, meaningful change is possible.
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“Strong routines, alarms, checklists and accurate time estimates compensate for traits that don’t naturally disappear,” he added.
People who find that lateness is affecting their everyday life and relationships may benefit from discussing their concerns with a healthcare provider or mental health professional.
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The holidays are known to be a source of stress, between traveling, preparing for family gatherings and indulging in lots of food and drinks.
The uptick of activity can actually put a strain on the heart, a phenomenon known as “holiday heart syndrome.”
Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Jeremy London addressed this elevated risk in a recent Instagram post, sharing how heart attacks consistently rise around the holidays.
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“Every year, like clockwork, we see a spike in heart attacks around Christmas and New Year’s,” the South Carolina-based surgeon said. “In fact, Christmas Eve is the highest-risk day of the year.”
This is due to a shift in behavior, specifically drinking and eating too much, moving less and being stressed out, according to London. “Emotional stress, financial stress, the increased pace of the holidays, increased obligations,” he listed.
Cold weather also causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), according to London, which increases the risk of plaque rupture and the potential for heart attack.
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Dr. Glenn Hirsch, chief of the division of cardiology at National Jewish Health in New York, noted in an interview with Fox News Digital that holiday heart syndrome typically refers to the onset of an abnormal heart rhythm, or atrial fibrillation.
This can happen after an episode of binge-drinking alcohol, Hirsch said, which can be exacerbated by holiday celebrations.
Binge-drinking at any time can drive atrial fibrillation, a cardiologist cautioned. (iStock)
“It’s often a combination of overdoing the alcohol intake along with high salt intake and large meals that can trigger it,” he said. “Adding travel, stress and less sleep, and it lowers the threshold to go into that rhythm.”
The biggest risk related to atrial fibrillation, according to Hirsch, is stroke and other complications from blood clots. Untreated atrial fibrillation can lead to heart failure after a long period of time.
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“The risk of atrial fibrillation increases with age, but also underlying cardiovascular disease risk factors increase the risk, such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, sleep apnea and chronic kidney disease,” he added.
Christmas Eve is the “highest risk day of the year” for heart attacks, according to one cardiologist. (iStock)
Preventing a holiday heart event
Holiday heart syndrome is preventable, as Hirsch reminds people that “moderation is key” when celebrating.
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The expert recommends avoiding binge-drinking, overeating (especially salty foods) and dehydration, while managing stress levels and prioritizing adequate sleep.
“Don’t forget to exercise,” he added. “Even getting in at least 5,000 to 10,000 steps during the holiday can help lower risk, [while] also burning some of the additional calories we are often consuming around the holidays.”
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London agreed, stating in his video that “movement is medicine” and encouraging people to get out and move every day.
The various stresses of the holidays can have physical consequences on the body, doctors warn. (iStock)
It’s also important to stay on schedule with any prescribed medications, London emphasized. He encourages setting reminder alerts, even during the holiday break.
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“Prioritize sleep and mindfulness,” he added. “Take care of yourself during this stressful time.”
London also warned that many people delay having certain health concerns checked out until after the holidays, further worsening these conditions.
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“Don’t ignore your symptoms,” he advised. “If you don’t feel right, respond.”
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Flu season is among us, and a new strain has emerged as a major threat.
Influenza A H3N2, or the subclade K variant, has been detected as the culprit in rising global cases, including in the U.S.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Neil Maniar, professor of public health practice at Boston’s Northeastern University, shared details on the early severity of this emerging strain.
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“It’s becoming evident that this is a pretty severe variant of the flu,” he said. “Certainly in other parts of the world where this variant has been prevalent, it’s caused some severe illness, and we’re seeing an aggressive flu season already.”
Influenza A H3N2, or the subclade K variant, has been detected as the culprit in rising global cases. (iStock)
The variant seems to differ from prior strains of the flu, with heightened versions of typical symptoms like fever, chills, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat and runny nose.
Subclade K is the “perfect storm” for an aggressive flu season, Maniar suggested, as vaccination rates overall are down and this year’s flu vaccine does not address this specific strain.
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“The vaccine is very important to get, but because it’s not perfectly aligned with this variant, I think that’s also contributing to some degree to the severity of cases we’re seeing,” he said. “We’re going in [to this flu season] with lower vaccination rates and a variant that in itself seems to be more aggressive.”
“There’s a lot of concern that this could be a particularly difficult flu season, both in terms of the total number of cases [and] the severity of those cases.”
Staying indoors during the colder months increases the risk of exposure to winter illness. (iStock)
Because subclade K is “quite different” from prior variants, Maniar said there is less natural immunity at the community level, further increasing the risk of spread and severity.
Those who are unvaccinated are also at risk of experiencing more severe symptoms, as well as a higher risk of hospitalization, the doctor emphasized.
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In addition to getting vaccinated, the doctor recommends washing hands frequently and properly. While the flu can spread via airborne transmission, a variety of other illnesses, like norovirus, can stick to surfaces for up to two weeks, he added.
The holiday season also boosts the risk of infection, as gatherings, large events, and packed planes, trains and buses can expose people to others who are sick.
The flu vaccine can help to prevent hospitalization and reduce severe symptoms, doctors agree. (iStock)
Those who are not feeling well or exhibiting symptoms should “please stay home,” Maniar advised — “especially if you think you are in that contagious period of the flu or any of these other illnesses that we’re seeing … whether it’s norovirus or COVID or RSV.”
“If you’re not feeling well, stay home. That’s a great way to recover faster and to ensure that you’re not going to get others around you sick.”
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For those who are unsure of their health status or diagnosis, Maniar recommends seeing a healthcare provider to get tested. Some providers may be able to prescribe medication to reduce the severity and duration of the illness.
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“It’s important that everyone stays vigilant and tries to take care of themselves and their families,” he added.
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