Story perspectives

Puberty Blockers Trial Paused Over Age and Safety Concerns

2/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) paused a puberty blockers trial after recommending a minimum age of 14 because of long-term risks.
Discussions between the MHRA and King’s College London will address wellbeing concerns.
The trial aimed to recruit about 226 participants aged 10–16 and followed the Cass review.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting urged following expert advice, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for halting the trial.

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Story summary

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) paused a puberty blockers trial after recommending a minimum age of 14 because of long-term risks.
Discussions between the MHRA and King’s College London will address wellbeing concerns.
The trial aimed to recruit about 226 participants aged 10–16 and followed the Cass review.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting urged following expert advice, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for halting the trial.