NHS England Pauses New Hormone Prescriptions

NHS England has paused new prescriptions of cross-sex hormones for 16 and 17-year-olds who question their gender. This decision follows a review that found previous research into the drugs' effectiveness and potential harm was "really weak." The health service launched a consultation on longer-term guidance over the use of these treatments.

A small number of teenagers will be affected by this change. Young people already receiving hormone prescriptions will continue their treatment, but clinicians will review each case individually. Existing guidelines prohibit prescribing hormones to under-16s for gender treatment.

NHS England commissioned 10 independent evidence reviews to examine the impact of testosterone or oestrogen on young patients' quality of life and mental health. The review found insufficient evidence to conclude whether these drugs benefit or harm young people, leading to the pause in new prescriptions while further responses are considered.

The decision was triggered by Dr Hilary Cass's major report into children's gender care, which criticized the "remarkably weak evidence" supporting medical interventions for gender dysphoria. Professor James Palmer, National Medical Director for Specialised Services at NHS England, emphasized that the review was "exceptionally thorough and complex," concluding that current evidence does not support hormone treatments for under-18s.

A 90-day public consultation on the revised policy and review findings began on Monday. Trans advocacy groups have expressed strong opposition to the decision, with some considering legal action. The changed guidance applies only to NHS services, not private clinics.