The Ministry of Health is broadening the scope of its evidence brief on puberty blockers to include studies on mental health and well-being outcomes.
Some young transgender people use puberty blockers to halt the progress of "potentially unwanted puberty-related physical changes", according to Te Whatu Ora's website. Puberty blockers can be used from early puberty through to later adolescence, done under the guidance of a clinician who specialises in their use.
In June, the Ministry of Health said the evidence brief, "which is examining whether or not puberty blockers can be considered safe and fully reversible", was being looked at.
The latest changes to include mental health and well-being outcomes will help provide a fuller context to guide further work in this area, the Ministry of Health said on Tuesday.
"Originally, the scope of this work was focused on safety, reversibility, and long-term clinical outcomes of puberty blockers for gender-dysphoric adolescents," the Ministry of Health said. "The Ministry will now also take a careful look at the impact of any changes to the mental health and well-being of those who may be considering puberty blockers."
So far, feedback they've received has advocated for a greater focus on the mental health and well-being of anyone considering gender-affirming care and concluded that expanding the review to cover this is a "useful" step.
They added that this work will also inform the clinical care pathways that Te Whatu will develop to make sure clinicians who work in the field have access to the best information to support gender-diverse adolescents.
"The Ministry is aware of the importance of clinicians having access to both the latest evidence and up-to-date clinical care guidance. The Ministry will work closely with Te Whatu Ora providing the necessary evidence and support for timely development of the clinical care guidance," the Ministry of Health said. "Puberty blockers continue to be available through prescribing clinicians for those who need them. Decisions on the use of puberty blockers are best made by patients and their families in consultation with appropriate clinicians."
Widening the scope of this work means the findings of the evidence brief will be ready later than originally planned. It is now expected by the end of the year.
