Sir, I can only applaud the resignation of five endocrinologists from the Gender Identity Development Service (“Calls to end transgender ‘experiment’ on children”, Apr 8), even though it seems rather belated. They have clearly stated their objection to the treatment of children and young people with synthetic puberty-suppressing hormones.
As all parents and certainly psychologists and endocrinologists should know, adolescence is a phase of life whose very definition is one of transition. The transformational developments in physical, cognitive and emotional characteristics are life-enhancing and life-changing. This is associated with massive unpredictable swings in mood and relationships as we change from childhood into early adulthood. Adulthood is often not realised until our mid-twenties.
This transition is modified spectacularly by our pubertal hormones and experiences. Therefore to