BSPED and RCPCH statement on puberty blockers for central precocious puberty

The Cass Review on gender identity services for children and young people (CYP) published on 10th April 2024 has recommended that puberty blockers should only be used as part of a clinical trial in CYP with gender identity concerns. The British Society of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health wish to make it clear that this is completely different from using puberty blockers in children who have an earlier puberty than normal. This is known as precocious puberty and defined as signs of puberty in girls before the age of eight and before the age of nine in boys. Puberty blockers in children with early puberty have been used for many decades. There is good evidence on their long term safety and efficacy, with no evidence of adverse impact on fertility, bone strength or psychological wellbeing in children who are treated for precocious puberty and thus we continue to recommend and support their use in children with precocious puberty under the supervision of a paediatric endocrinologist.

Parents can be referred by clinicians to the statement on our website should they raise concerns: https://www.bsped.org.uk/clinical-resources/position-statements/#CPP