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

Posted: 11th March 2026

Source: NHS England pauses new prescriptions of cross-sex hormones for under-18s – BBC News

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.

The health service said a small number of teenagers would be affected and launched a consultation on longer-term guidance over use of the treatment.

One trans advocacy group has said it would consider legal action over the move.

Click here to read more: NHS England pauses new prescriptions of cross-sex hormones for under-18s – BBC News

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