Concerns have been raised about the accessibility of cross-sex hormones online for as little as £11 per month, particularly among young people in the UK. This issue has been brought into focus following the recent Cass review which questioned the evidence supporting the use of these hormones for under-18s at a time when they are exploring their gender identity. These medications are legally available to trans adults with a prescription, but the worry is that younger individuals might obtain them through illegal channels.

Experts are alarmed by the ease with which hormones can be accessed via global online pharmacies. The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has thus warned against self-prescribing and the dangers of unregulated medicinal sources. Dr. Alison Cave of the agency has underscored the importance of adhering to lawful and safe medication practices.

The Bayswater Support Group, advocating for public awareness, has highlighted the dangers of do-it-yourself hormone therapy, as evidenced by cases like Maria’s daughter who suffered irreversible damage from using unsupervised hormones. Additionally, the decline in referrals for legal hormone treatments has raised fears about young trans individuals engaging in risky behaviors due to difficult healthcare access.

Efforts are ongoing from the Department of Health to combat the illegal online trade of human medicines. This complex issue demands multifaceted solutions to assure safe alternatives for those needing hormone treatments.

In a related case, a UK court addressed the situation of a 15-year-old adolescent who used the online clinic GenderGP to obtain testosterone and puberty blockers without medical consultation. This teenager, referred to as J, and diagnosed with autism, was reportedly provided hormone levels that were dangerously high. This case occurred in the context of the recent closure of the NHS’s Tavistock clinic in England and Wales, leading to limited gender services available through the NHS. J is now waiting to receive treatment at a new clinic in London.

The court’s judgment reflects broader issues concerning the provision of appropriate and regulated healthcare for young individuals exploring their gender identity in the UK.