The NHS has paused the provision of gender-affirming hormone treatment for 16 and 17-year-olds after a review revealed insufficient evidence to support its continued use. Previously, these hormones were prescribed to teenagers diagnosed with gender dysphoria, but new referrals have now been halted.
These hormones can lead to irreversible changes such as breast development with estrogen or deepening of the voice with testosterone. In light of the 2024 Cass Review on children’s gender care, which emphasized caution in administering such treatments, NHS England conducted a review concluding that the evidence is inconclusive on the benefits or risks for youth with gender dysphoria.
While the NHS continues to review evidence on the use of these hormones in adults, current 16 and 17-year-old patients undergoing cross-sex hormone therapy can continue treatment, subject to individual review with healthcare providers. A 90-day consultation is underway to consider discontinuing this treatment as a standard procedure.
During the consultation period, the treatment will be suspended as NHS England evaluates numerous submissions before making a final decision. Additionally, a clinical trial on puberty blockers for children aged 10 and above was halted due to concerns about potential long-term risks, with a ban on such medications for under-18s implemented in 2024.
Professor James Palmer from NHS England stated that based on the review findings, the use of masculinising or feminising hormones for young people under 18 is not supported. A public consultation has been launched to revise the policy, with a focus on ensuring the evidence is thoroughly reviewed before any final decisions are made.
Advocacy groups like TransActual and Gender Plus have expressed disappointment over the NHS decision to stop new prescriptions of gender-affirming hormones for under-18s, citing international best practices and expert guidance. Helen Joyce, from Sex Matters, believes the pause should become permanent to protect young individuals from irreversible consequences.