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 found previous research into the potential harm or benefits of the drugs was "really weak". NHS England said a small number of teenagers would be affected and launched a consultation on longer-term guidance over use of the treatment.
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.
Background
The review was triggered following the publication of a major report into children's gender care by Dr Hilary Cass in April 2024, which said "remarkably weak evidence" on medical interventions was letting children down.
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.
Response from Authorities
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."
A 90-day public consultation on the revised policy and review findings will start on Monday. NHS England said it hoped the consultation will help it check whether any evidence has been missed.
Reaction from Advocacy Groups
Trans advocacy group TransLucent said the move was "yet another blatant act of discrimination against transgender youths' healthcare". The group said it would consider legal action over the decision.
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 follow expert scientific and clinical advice when making decisions relating to clinical policies."
