The Ministry of Health is expected to release an evidence brief on the use of puberty blockers in treating gender dysphoria. 

The UK has banned the prescription of the hormone medication, which delays the onset of puberty, to children.  

Weak evidence has yet been found for their use, with uncertainty about the potential psychological effects.  

UOA Professor Dr Paul Hofman told Mike Hosking that the blockers reduce self-harm and suicidal ideation in some patients.  

But he says there's hasn't been any strong follow up studies looking at quality of life and the impacts, nor any issues around safety.  

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• Expert calls for research and understanding amid concerns over puberty blockers for under-18s