Ban on sale and supply of puberty blockers further extended
The UK government has extended the restrictions on prescribing and supplying of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues, commonly referred to
as puberty blockers, for those under 18 until the end of the year.
These regulations, initially set to expire on 26 November, prohibit any new under-18 patients from beginning puberty suppression treatment for gender dysphoria
outside designated specialist NHS services.
The government passed the Medicines (Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone Analogues) (Emergency Prohibition) (Extension) (No. 2) Order 2024 on 6 November, citing
health safety concerns to prevent potential serious risks.
Children and young people under 18 already using these medicines may continue treatment through a UK-registered prescriber, though prescriptions generally
require an ‘SLS’ endorsement by the prescriber.
Prescriptions issued after 3 June 2024 by an EEA or Swiss prescriber remain invalid for these purposes.