What portion of teenagers regret transitioning?
This fact-check may be outdated. Consider refreshing it to get the most current information.
Was this fact-check helpful?
1. Summary of the results
The analyses provided suggest that the portion of teenagers who regret transitioning is generally low, with estimates ranging from less than 1% [1] [2] [3] to around 5-7% [1]. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that only 4% of transgender teens expressed regret about any aspect of their gender-affirming care [4]. Another study found that 5.3% of English youths stopped puberty blockers or hormones before age 18, and a UK clinic found that 6.9% of patients detransitioned within 16 months [1]. However, it is essential to note that not all discontinuation of treatment is due to regret, as some individuals may stop treatment for other reasons [1]. A detransitioner survey reported 80% of respondents experiencing some level of regret, but this sample was self-selected and may not be representative of the broader population [1].
2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints
Some analyses highlight the complexity of detransition experiences and the need for more research in this area [5]. The development of gender identity in children and the treatment of gender dysphoria are also relevant topics that require consideration [6]. Additionally, the mental health outcomes of transgender youths who receive gender-affirming care are an important aspect of this discussion [7]. It is also worth noting that some children who experience gender dysphoria may desist, meaning they no longer experience gender dysphoria [6]. A study found that 7.3% of youth had retransitioned at least once, and 2.5% were living as cisgender, which may be related to regretting transitioning [8]. However, more research is needed to fully understand the experiences of transgender teenagers and the factors that contribute to regret or detransitioning.
3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement
The original statement asks for a specific percentage of teenagers who regret transitioning, which may oversimplify the complexity of this issue [1] [4] [2]. Some analyses suggest that regret is a rare outcome, with estimates ranging from less than 1% to around 5-7% [1] [4] [2] [3]. However, other studies report higher rates of discontinuation or detransitioning, which may be related to regret [1] [8]. The detransitioner survey, which reported 80% of respondents experiencing some level of regret, may be biased due to its self-selected sample [1]. Overall, it is crucial to consider the variability in estimates and the complexity of detransition experiences when discussing the portion of teenagers who regret transitioning [1] [5].