NHS England has paused new prescriptions of cross-sex hormones, such as testosterone or oestrogen, for 16- and 17-year-olds experiencing gender confusion. The decision, announced on March 5, 2026, follows a review deeming the evidence on these drugs’ effects “really weak,” with insufficient data to confirm benefits or harms.
These hormones can cause irreversible changes like voice deepening or breast growth, raising serious concerns about long-term impacts on developing bodies and minds.The pause affects a small number of teenagers, with ongoing treatment for current patients subject to clinician reviews. Guidelines already prohibit such prescriptions for under-16s.
NHS England commissioned 10 independent reviews examining impacts on quality of life, mental health, and other outcomes for distressed youth, finding the research inadequate. Professor James Palmer, NHS England’s medical director for specialized services, stated: “The NHS has exercised extreme caution… The available evidence does not support the continued use of masculinising or feminising hormones”.
A 90-day public consultation starts Monday to incorporate input from advocacy groups and professionals. Helen Joyce from Sex Matters welcomed the move, emphasizing: “Under-18s are simply too young to consent to such irreversible, life-changing consequences.” This halt aligns with the April 2024 Cass Review’s findings of “remarkably weak evidence” in children’s gender care, protecting vulnerable youth from experimental interventions amid rising concerns over ideological pressures.
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