NHS England has paused new prescriptions of cross-sex hormones to 16 and 17-year-olds who question their gender, according to a review by the health service.
The review, which was triggered by a major report into children's gender care by Dr Hilary Cass in April 2024, found that previous research into the effects of the hormones was "really weak".
As reported by the BBC, the health service said a small number of teenagers would be affected and launched a consultation on longer-term guidance over the use of the treatment.
Police and Authority Response
Young people who are already being prescribed the hormones will continue to get them, but their clinicians will be asked to review their treatment.
Existing guidance says the hormones should not be prescribed to under-16s for gender treatment, and NHS England said young people who cannot access the treatment will be offered other forms of care at three NHS gender clinics for children currently operating in England.
Investigation and Review
NHS England commissioned 10 independent evidence reviews to examine different aspects of the use of testosterone or oestrogen for young people who identify as a gender different to their biological sex.
Professor James Palmer, National Medical Director for Specialised Services at NHS England, said: "The NHS has exercised extreme caution when considering starting young people on this treatment."
Reaction from Advocacy Groups
Trans advocacy group TransLucent said the move was "yet another blatant act of discrimination against transgender youths' healthcare", and will consider legal action.
Paul Carruthers, nurse consultant and manager of the privately run Gender Plus hormone clinic, said they were dismayed by the decision, adding that they use a rigorous process in line with international standards before hormones can be prescribed.
Government Response
The Department of Health and Social Care said: "The safety and wellbeing of children and young people is paramount and NHS England follows expert scientific and clinical advice when making decisions relating to clinical policies."
