The Department of Health is today publishing an information note and position statement on the use of puberty blockers for gender identity issues and outlines a more cautious approach to their use.

The evidence synthesis shows a lack of good quality evidence to support the effectiveness and safety of puberty blockers when used for this purpose.

A ministry position statement, supported by the evidence package, sets out expectations for a more cautious approach to the care of adolescents with gender identity issues.

The ministry’s assessment is that the starting point for treatment is a holistic assessment determining the full range of needs a young person may have, including social and mental health.

The new precautionary approach highlights the need for clinicians to exercise caution in prescribing, including clarifying that prescribing should only be initiated by clinicians experienced in providing gender-affirming care and who are part of an interprofessional team offering a full range of supports to young people. with gender identity issues.

The Government has now commissioned the Department to consult on whether the new precautions should be supported by additional safeguards, such as regulations under the Medicines Act 1981, to reinforce changes in prescribing expectations.

These stricter controls reflect a level of concern here and abroad about the growing use of these drugs for the treatment of gender identity issues without sufficient evidence to support their safety and effectiveness, both now and in the long term.

Appropriate and safe care for this group of young people is critically important.

Any additional safeguards in the form of regulation would aim to protect against the risk of future harm to vulnerable people.

Other countries have also reported an increase in recent years in the number of young people treated for gender identity issues with puberty blockers. In New Zealand in 2010, around 25 young people aged 11 and 17 typically started treatment with these drugs and by 2021 this number had increased to around 140. Over the past two years this number has declined and in 2023 it was 113.

The ministry will undertake targeted consultations with organizations representative of those who could be affected by any potential regulations.

Additionally, the ministry will invite the public to submit comments via survey questions on its Health Consultation Center webpage.

The consultation, open until the end of January 2025, will ask whether additional precautions are necessary.

Other measures already underway include updating clinical guidelines on puberty blockers commissioned by Health NZ and expected in the coming months, better tracking of use in New Zealand and developing New Zealand’s own knowledge New Zealand in this area to guide any further advice or assurances.

The Department of Health will also commission research to determine the long-term impacts of puberty blockers on mental health and wellbeing.