New Zealand Takes Precautionary Approach to Puberty Blockers

The Ministry of Health in New Zealand has adopted a more cautious approach to prescribing puberty blockers for young people experiencing gender dysphoria, following a review that highlighted a lack of robust evidence regarding their safety and effectiveness. An evidence brief indicates that prescriptions should only be initiated by experienced clinicians as part of a comprehensive support team, emphasizing the need for holistic assessments of the young person's social and mental health needs. The Ministry noted a decline in prescriptions from a peak in 2021, with numbers dropping from 140 to 113 in 2023, reflecting ongoing concerns about the rapid increase in treatments. The review examined over 4,000 studies, revealing potential risks such as lower bone density among patients on blockers, while also noting no significant impacts on renal or liver function. The Ministry is also commissioning research on the long-term effects of these medications and will consult stakeholders on potential regulatory changes. Experts have generally supported this cautious approach, arguing against a total ban, which could deprive some patients of beneficial treatment.