Trans youth in England and Wales are reportedly taking extreme measures—including starving themselves—to prevent the physical changes of puberty after the UK government banned puberty blockers, a GP in South Wales has claimed.
The ban on puberty blocker prescriptions, introduced after the Cass Review in April 2024, has left trans children without access to crucial medical care, leading some to resort to self-harm, online medication, or disordered eating in a desperate attempt to stop puberty, the GP told WalesOnline under the condition of anonymity.
Trans Youth Left Without Options
The GP criticised the government, stating that officials had “failed an entire generation” of trans children by restricting access to gender-affirming care. The ban on private prescriptions, first introduced by former health secretary Victoria Atkins and later extended indefinitely by current health minister Wes Streeting, has left many trans youth feeling hopeless.
According to the doctor, some children as young as eight years old are struggling with severe mental health issues, and many are dropping out of school due to gender dysphoria. She noted that some young people are attempting to buy homemade drugs online or are deliberately becoming anorexic to stop their bodies from developing.
“Blockers give a bit of space—it’s reversible, but it stops all of that awful damage from puberty that is significantly impacting their mental health while they wait,” the GP explained. “I don’t know of any other area of medicine where that has been done to us.”
Playing ‘Russian Roulette’ With Healthcare
The GP highlighted the inconsistencies in medical care, stating that whether a child receives support or scrutiny depends entirely on the attitude of their GP.
“You are playing Russian roulette if you go to the GP,” she said. “You may get a decent GP, or you may get a GP who makes a safeguarding referral to social services, which could lead to an investigation for child neglect.”
She also noted that the long waiting lists for gender services mean that even if a young person is referred, they may not receive care until they turn 18, leaving them to take matters into their own hands.
NHS Puberty Blockers Trial Underway
Despite the ban, the NHS has confirmed it is funding a £10 million trial on puberty blockers as part of the Cass Review’s implementation. The two-year study, led by King’s College London, will analyse gender care for under-18s, with consent from parents or guardians.
While the trial may provide valuable data, critics argue that the ban has already had devastating consequences for trans youth who need care now.
As the debate over trans healthcare continues, concerns grow over the mental and physical toll the restrictions are placing on vulnerable young people.
