NHS delay to trial of puberty blockers prompts fresh row

Patients will not start being recruited into the first clinical trial to examine the effects of puberty blocking drugs until early next year, months later than had been planned, NHS England has admitted.

- Denis Campbell

The trial, which will study the "potential benefits and harms of puberty suppressing hormones for children and young people", was originally due to start this year.

Up to several thousand children and young people in England who are confused about their gender identity may opt to participate in the trial, sources said.

The trial is to bring forward evidence about puberty blockers after Dr Hilary Cass's landmark review of transgender healthcare published in April said the blockers were an unproven treatment which could also harm people taking them.

The drugs are used to suppress the development of the sex hormones testosterone and oestrogen as well as the development of breasts and facial hair. Cass's report said the NHS should exercise "extreme caution" before giving them to young people.