There's fresh calls to investigate the use of puberty blockers for Kiwi youth who identify as transgender following research out of the UK.

The Ministry of Health has been reviewing puberty blockers since 2022- but there's been no word confirming they plan to follow the UK's lead and block use of the drug for under-18s. 

Starship paediatric endocrinologist Dr Ben Albert says puberty blockers can serve a purpose in helping younger users- and that banning them isn't the way to go.

"It's really important if a young person chooses to use medication like this, they have a really good understanding of what the effects will be, and the uncertainties that exist around those treatments." 

LISTEN ABOVE

 

• NHS to stop prescribing puberty blockers to under-18s
• Trans young people: Govt won't say if it will follow British move to ban puberty blockers