NHS England pauses new prescriptions of cross-sex hormones for under-18s

"NHS England has paused new prescriptions of cross-sex hormones to 16 and 17-year-olds who question their gender, after a review found previous research into how harmful or beneficial the drugs may be was 'really weak'. Hormones can be prescribed to help a person develop characteristics associated with their preferred gender rather than their biological sex, and may produce irreversible changes like a deeper voice or breast growth."

"NHS England said it commissioned 10 independent evidence reviews to examine different aspects of the use of testosterone or oestrogen, either on their own or with other drugs for young people who identify as a gender different to their biological sex. It found there was not enough good quality evidence to conclude overall whether the drugs benefited young people or harmed them."

"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 halted new prescriptions of cross-sex hormones for 16 and 17-year-olds questioning their gender following a review that identified weak research on the drugs' harms and benefits. These hormones produce irreversible physical changes like voice deepening or breast growth. Young people already receiving treatment will continue, with clinicians reviewing their cases. NHS England launched a consultation on long-term guidance and will offer alternative care at three gender clinics. The pause followed Dr Hilary Cass's April 2024 report criticizing remarkably weak evidence on medical interventions for children. Ten independent evidence reviews found insufficient quality evidence to determine whether hormones benefit or harm young people, prompting the precautionary pause.

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