LITTLE BACKPOCKET GUIDE TO
Puberty-suppressing hormones
Puberty-suppressing hormones (sometimes called puberty blockers) are a class of medicines that have been safely used by young people for decades.
In June 2024, the UK government implemented a ban on the supply of some puberty-suppressing hormones in some groups of young people in the UK.
The puberty-suppressing hormones that have been banned under new legislation are called gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues or GnRH analogues. This guide is for you if you want to know more about puberty-suppressing hormones - specifically, GnRH analogues. That includes if you or a friend, family member, or someone you care about are affected by the current ban or have questions about them. The guide draws on currently available evidence about using puberty-suppressing hormones.
✺ The Love Tank would like to acknowledge the work, input, and guidance of the experts – including trans community experts and people with experience of using puberty-suppressing hormones – that informed this guide.
Thank you also to Dr Isra Black, who provided the legal analysis that helped shape its contents.
Helpful resources
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The Sax Institute’s (2024) report on evidence for effective interventions for children and young people with gender dysphoria
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A selection of experts’ criticisms of The Cass Review:
✺ Expert consensus of the French Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology working group
✺ TransActual: Briefing on The Cass Review
✺ Trans Actual: Critiques of The Cass Review
✺ The Cass Review: Cis-supremacy in the UK’s approach to healthcare for trans children (Horton, 2024)
✺ A round-up of commentary on The Cass Review from Dr Ruth Pearce
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Accessible discussions about The Cass Review
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Further information about puberty-suppressing hormones other than GnRH analogues
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The Tanner stages
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Explaining puberty-suppressing hormones to younger children
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Information about the upcoming clinical trial (PATHWAYS study) on puberty-suppressing hormones
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The ethics of randomised-controlled trials involving children
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Who is affected by the newest guidelines on the supply of GnRH analogues
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Safer hormone injection advice
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International clinical guidelines and advice about GnRH analogues
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Support for interpreting blood test results
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An option for at-home blood testing
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Resources for trans or gender-questioning young people
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Resources for parents or carers of trans or gender-questioning young people
Credits
PRODUCED BY
The Love Tank CIC in collaboration and solidarity with Dani Dinger
FUNDED BY
community donations
TEXT BY
Dani Dinger
ILLUSTRATIONS BY
Flatboy @flatb0y
DESIGN BY
Richard Kahwagi
Original content created by Dani Dinger for The Love Hub at Fringe! Film Festival 2021 and adapted for The Love Hub 2022 – www.danidinger.com