Puberty blockers to be prescribed more cautiously in New Zealand after review

Doctors will be told to show caution in prescribing puberty blockers in New Zealand after a review found strong evidence for their effectiveness and safety was lacking. The Ministry of Health today released its long-awaited evidence brief and a position statement on puberty-stalling hormones. “The evidence brief found that the evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety was limited and of poor quality,” the ministry said.

As a result of the findings, the ministry is outlining an expectation that greater caution is used in prescribing the medication. Further safeguards may be introduced after consultation with interested parties. Other countries have also taken steps to restrict puberty blockers out of concern about a lack of robust evidence and rising prescribing rates.



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