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What is Bicalutamide?
Bicalutamide works by blocking the effects of the male hormone androgen.
It is sold under the brand name Casodex.
The drug was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2008 as a treatment for prostate cancer.
It blocks receptors in the central nervous and male reproductive systems responsible for producing androgen.
The hormone helps promote the growth of prostate cancer cells, and cutting them off can stop the disease from spreading.
In recent years, the drug has also started to be used off-label for transgender children and teens.
When used in this way, bicalutamide is sometimes called a ‘puberty blocker’.
By stopping the release of androgen in a young person, the drugs can also block biological boys from becoming men.
Androgen is a key hormone during puberty that leads to a deep voice, Adam’s apple, facial and body hair and the growth of the penis and testicles.
Similar blockers also exist for women, preventing the development of breasts and other female features.
The drugs were safe for use and had to undergo a rigorous pre-approval process.
But, there is little information on their long-term physical and psychological effects when used in children.
The effects are not thought to be permanent, but it takes years for the body to return to previous hormone secretion levels after coming off of the drugs.
Why do androgen blockers promote the growth of breasts?