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

NHS England has halted new prescriptions of cross‑sex hormones for under-18s, prompting significant concern among trans‑led organisations and healthcare equality campaigners who say the move risks further marginalising an already vulnerable group of young people. 

The pause follows a series of evidence reviews into testosterone and oestrogen use among adolescents questioning their gender. NHS England argues the existing research base is “too weak” to determine whether the treatments are beneficial or harmful. However, trans rights groups warn that withholding care will have real‑world consequences for young people experiencing gender dysphoria - many of whom already face extensive delays within the NHS system. 

"Yet another blatant act of discrimination against transgender youths' healthcare, which has been systematically eroded since the Cass Review."

Under the updated guidance, no new hormone treatment will be initiated for under‑18s, though young people already receiving hormones will continue their prescriptions while clinicians review individual cases. Trans advocacy groups have responded with alarm, noting that long waiting times, heightened media and political hostility, and restricted pathways to care already leave many trans adolescents in distress. Some groups have said they are considering legal action to protect access to treatment. 

Trans advocacy group TransLucent said the move was "yet another blatant act of discrimination against transgender youths' healthcare, which has been systematically eroded since the Cass Review".

A statement continued: "We will critically assess the NHS's evidence before responding, but given the gravity of these human rights concerns, we will consider legal action."