Getting my Letter for HRT!

[Guest Alicia Rose]

So I've been seeing my therapist since early April, and had another session today. She always said she had no doubts in me and now finally is approving me for HRT and said she will finish my letter this week! The only requirement left is to come out to my dad and she'll have my letter ready on Jun. 6th!! We'll go over the letter then and ensure I'm happy with it and understand everything.

Everything else is already sorted out (like finding a doctor) and ready to go!

For those that have used HRT: From your experience - does it take time to actually get HRT medications once you visit the doctor, and they already have your letter? I'm curious to know if I'll get them the day of my visit, or required to wait after getting blood work and whatnot. What's most likely to happen?

[Carolyn Marie]

That's excellent news, hon. Usually you won't get a prescription on your first visit with the doctor. They usually want to take some blood tests to determine your baseline hormone levels and the health of your kidney and liver. That will help determine the appropriate medicines and dosages. But every doctor is different, so its just an educated guess. Good luck!

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Cyndee]

That's great news glad it's coming together for you.

Best

Cyndi -

[Guest Alicia Rose]

Okay, thank you. That's what I was thinking but I'll find out eventually. I'll continue to share my experience.

[Charlize]

When you have your letter and doctor set up you might want to ask for a script for blood work prior to your first visit. That may save you a bit of time but your doctor may not do that. My doctor wanted to make sure i had a full understanding of the risks of HRT as well as making sure that i knew about self breast exams and other issues that come with the territory. While your GT may have discussed some of these your doctor may well want to discuss some issues as well. I actually found this very interesting as it helped me understand some new responsibilities i have to deal with.

I'm sure you are excited. I know i was. Patience is somewhat critical now.

Deep breath and enjoy!

Hugs,

Charlize

[Guest]

Congratulations on your new venture! I remember when I started HRT. My first visit to the endo was just a meet and greet with the doctor, as well as a review of what HRT is. After the HRT review, if I wanted to proceed, they had me sign a document stating that I understood the permanent and temporary changes that will happen and that they were not liable. At the end of the appointment, he gave me blood test orders to schedule for offsite at a local blood testing center. It wasn't until 2 weeks later when the results came in that I had my next appointment. So it was my second appointment that I received a prescription for hormones. They started me off on a T-blocker and Progesterone. A month later I started on E-injections!

I remember when I was at that point you are currently at.... I was so anxious and almost impatient with wanting to start hormones. Those first few weeks while waiting for the blood test results to come in drove me nuts. But finally the day came for me to get hormones and it so far has been a wonderful ride.

-Milani

[MarcieMarie12]

I'm with Kaiser and basically the Endo was very experienced with trans clients. She gave me the prescription after the visit and what my initial dosage was. I got my blood tested and if everything checked out I could fill the prescription and start HRT. All told it was about 3-4 days between my Endo appointment and starting HRT.

[Guest Alicia Rose]

Thanks for the feedback!! I feel I have a better understanding and know what to expect now.

[Guest Ladyinker]

Congratulations

Erin