New Zealand is less strict than the UK, which bans everyday use. The ministry’s approach was praised by the country’s experts, who said the ban went too far and would eliminate medicines that have improved the mental health of some individuals.
Puberty blockers may be prescribed to prevent unwanted physical changes in young people with gender dysphoria (the psychological distress that results from the feeling of being born in the wrong body or being assigned the wrong gender). there is. Proponents say this gives people time to explore their gender identity and could potentially improve their mental health.
Prescription fees are decreasing gradually Rising in New Zealand. According to the ministry, about 25 children aged 11 to 17 began treatment in 2010. The number increased to 140 in 2021, but fell to 113 last year.
The department reviewed 4,000 international studies in its evidence summary. One key finding was that patients who took puberty blockers had lower bone density than expected when compared to other young people at the same developmental stage.
Another important finding is that there is no evidence that drugs known as GnRH analogs have a significant effect on kidney function, liver function, or fertility.
Clinicians in New Zealand can now prescribe puberty blockers as part of gender-affirming care when patients reach puberty.
As of today, the ministry has outlined a more cautious approach to prescribing the drug.
“The ministry’s assessment says the starting point for treatment is a comprehensive assessment that determines any needs a young person may have, including social and mental health.
“New preventive approaches will help clinicians, including that prescribing should only be initiated by clinicians who are experienced in providing gender-affirming care and who are part of a multidisciplinary team providing all support to young people. It shows that we need to be careful when prescribing it to people with gender identity issues.”
The ministry will consult on whether further regulations are needed, including amendments to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act to formalize changes to prescribing expectations.
“These strict controls reflect the level of national and international concern over the increasing use of these medicines to treat gender identity issues, without sufficient evidence to support current and long-term safety and efficacy. ,” the ministry said.
Professor Paul Hoffman, a pediatric endocrinologist at the University of Auckland, said the department had taken a “very reasonable” approach.
“Encouragingly, all of the evidence published to date, although of low quality, suggests that the use of puberty blockers is safe,” he said.
“The effectiveness of treatment varies between studies, and this may reflect many variables, including appropriate patient selection for pubertal blockade.
“At an individual level, there are clear reports of improvement, and it would be inappropriate to discontinue use of this drug in (perhaps many) patients suffering from gender dysphoria, which may improve mental health.”
Dr. Massimo Giola, a sexual health doctor, also said the ministry was taking a reasonable position.
“In my opinion, gender care should always be provided in a multidisciplinary context, combining the profiles of allied medical and mental health professionals… and obviously, as in other cases , caution is required when prescribing.
“I think this is a balanced position and does not impact on what gender care looks like or should be provided.”
The Department and New Zealand Ministry of Health – Te Whatu Ora will also implement other measures, including updated clinical guidelines on puberty blockers, increased monitoring of their use in New Zealand and the development of New Zealand’s national knowledge on the issue to guide further advice. I am teaching. Research into the long-term clinical and mental health effects of puberty blockers has also been commissioned.
The Act Party welcomed the department’s change in approach, saying it brought New Zealand into line with other countries.
Isaac Davison is a health reporter based in Auckland. He joined the Herald in 2008 and has covered environmental, political and social issues.
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