NHS Pauses Hormone Drugs for Under-18s

NHS England has halted new prescriptions of masculinising and feminising hormone drugs for individuals under 18. This decision, effective from Monday, stems from a review concluding that current evidence is insufficient to support their continued use in young people diagnosed with gender dysphoria.

While existing teenage patients (aged 16 and 17) currently undergoing hormone treatment can continue, their care will be subject to individual clinical reviews. The review indicated that evidence for the benefits and harms of these treatments in minors is too weak. This pause will remain in effect for a 90-day consultation period while NHS England gathers and reviews public responses before making a final decision.

The hormones can lead to irreversible changes, such as voice deepening or breast development, and may cause temporary or permanent infertility. Baroness Hilary Cass's 2024 review had also advised extreme caution and a clear clinical rationale for prescribing hormones to this age group before they reach 18.

NHS England continues to offer specialist support for under-18s experiencing gender incongruence, including mental health services. Previously, a clinical trial for puberty blockers for children aged 10 and above was paused last month, and the use of drugs to delay puberty for under-18s was banned in 2024.