Story perspectives

UK Trial to Assess Puberty Blockers in Teens

11/22/2025

Summary

UK Trial Begins

A UK trial will study puberty blockers in children with gender incongruence, following a ban for under-18s.
King's College London leads the trial, aiming to recruit 250 participants under 16 and assess risks over two years.
The study will compare recipients of puberty blockers with a control group.
Ethical concerns accompany the design and potential long-term impacts on bone health and brain development.
Results are expected in four years.

Summary

New Zealand Halts Blockers

New Zealand will halt puberty blockers for transgender youth starting December 19, awaiting results from a UK trial due in 2031.
Health Minister Simeon Brown says decision rests on clinical evidence, citing Cass Review's uncertainty about long-term safety.
Existing patients will continue treatment, while new patients will not receive blockers until trial ends.
LGBTQ+ groups criticize the move as worsening mental health, while some political figures support a cautious approach.

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UK Trial Begins

A UK trial will study puberty blockers in children with gender incongruence, following a ban for under-18s.
King's College London leads the trial, aiming to recruit 250 participants under 16 and assess risks over two years.
The study will compare recipients of puberty blockers with a control group.
Ethical concerns accompany the design and potential long-term impacts on bone health and brain development.
Results are expected in four years.

1 / 2