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Puberty blockers report: Director-General of Health predicts use will drop

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 21 Nov 2024, 5:36pm
Puberty blockers are given to transgender children and teenagers to delay the physical changes that come with puberty. Photo / 123RF
Puberty blockers are given to transgender children and teenagers to delay the physical changes that come with puberty. Photo / 123RF

Puberty blockers report: Director-General of Health predicts use will drop

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 21 Nov 2024, 5:36pm

The Director-General of Health says she expects puberty blocker prescriptions to continue to fall. 

The Ministry of Health has released an evidence brief showing a lack of quality evidence backing their effectiveness and safety for gender dysphoria.

It says they should be prescribed by a clinician experienced in gender-affirming care, in a team offering wide support.

Dr Diana Sarfati says use was already declining. 

"The peak prescription for puberty blockers was around 2021- and in the last couple of years, we're already starting to see a drop-off."

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