NHS England to stop prescribing puberty blockers

Children will no longer routinely be prescribed puberty blockers at gender identity clinics, NHS England has confirmed. Puberty supressing hormones - more commonly known as puberty blockers - work by suppressing the release of hormones that cause puberty and are often prescribed to children questioning their gender as a way of stopping physical changes such as breast development or facial hair. Fewer than 100 young people in England are currently prescribed puberty blockers by the NHS. They will all able to continue their treatment. Health Minister Maria Caulfield said: "We have always been clear that children's safety and wellbeing is paramount, so we welcome this landmark decision by the NHS."Ending the routine prescription of puberty blockers will help ensure that care is based on evidence, expert clinical opinion and is in the best interests of the child. The BBC understands NHS England aims to begin its study into the use of puberty blockers by December 2024, and is yet to decide who can take part.

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