Details of a new UK clinical trial to assess the risks and benefits of puberty-blocking drugs in children and young people questioning their gender have been announced.
It follows the banning of the drugs for gender treatment last year after a major review raised concerns about the lack of clinical evidence over their safety for under-18s.
Researchers from King's College London say the trial will involve around 220 children under the age of 16 who are going through puberty, and will examine the impact of the drugs on their physical, social and emotional wellbeing.
Some clinicians and campaigners question whether the trial is ethical.
Prof Emily Simonoff, study leader and professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at King's College London (KCL), said: "We know there are ongoing societal discussions about gender transition, but this research is focused solely on informing and improving healthcare by better understanding how to support the physical and mental health of young people with gender incongruence."
