Overview
- HHS released a supplement to its May evidence review that compiles post-publication peer critiques and author responses and identifies the nine contributors.
- The review maintains that evidence for benefits of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and surgeries in minors is very weak and documents risks including infertility, impaired bone density, cognitive effects and surgical complications.
- HHS says two outside methodology experts found the review’s methods robust, and several external reviewers reported no major faults in the central findings.
- The American Psychiatric Association submitted a critique questioning transparency, which HHS answered in detail, while the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Endocrine Society declined to participate in the peer-review engagement.
- The report recommends limiting medical interventions for minors and prioritizing psychotherapy, and NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya praised the review as a significant course correction for clinical practice.