House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
NHSE policy on masculinising and feminising hormones
10 March 2026 · Department of Health and Social Care
Proposed by Wes Streeting Lab Ilford North
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- NHS England is consulting on a new clinical commissioning policy regarding the prescribing of masculinising or feminising hormones for children and adolescents.
- The consultation period is 90 days and proposes pausing the routine provision of MAF hormones through the NHS CYP Gender Service.
- Existing prescriptions for MAF hormones for 16 and 17-year-olds will undergo review under enhanced informed consent processes.
Issue summary
NHS England is consulting on a new clinical commissioning policy regarding the prescribing of masculinising or feminising hormones for children and adolescents with gender incongruence or dysphoria.
Action requested
NHS England is consulting for 90 days on a proposal to no longer provide MAF hormones as a routine option through the NHS CYP Gender Service, pausing existing clinical policy until a final decision is made. Existing prescriptions for MAF hormones for 16 and 17-year-olds will be reviewed and managed under enhanced informed consent processes.
Key facts
- MAF hormones are currently only available to children and young people aged 16 and 17 in very limited circumstances.
- The consultation period is 90 days.
- The Cass Review and NICE evidence review found very limited evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of MAF hormones for under-18s.
- NHS England is pausing existing clinical policy with immediate effect.
- Psychological and psychosocial support remains available for patients in the CYP Gender Service.
- GPs are advised not to agree shared care arrangements with unregulated providers offering MAF hormones to under-18s.
- NHS England will reissue guidance in May 2025 advising against shared care arrangements with unregulated providers.