Cost of HRT and advice

[Imaginary Spiders]

I was hoping that someone here could provide me with information on HRT(MTF). What is the costs of spirolactone and what is the cost of estradiol individually per month? Also what are the prices for other things such as meeting with doctors etc? I'm going to begin looking into these things soon. Also I'm not sure whether or not my insurance will cover it.(Fidelis) Also should I go to a psychologist first or a general practioner? Also there are no gender therapists in my area, so that is not an option.

[Carolyn Marie]

Hi, there. Your questions are very hard to answer, because costs can vary hugely, for a variety of reasons.  Those include which drugs, which dosage, whether shots, pills or patches, whether covered by insurance or subsidized, etc. etc.

That said, in many places the cost of pill form of spiro and estradiol shouldn't be that much.  When I was paying cash, I could get a month's supply of both for $20 or so.

The initial cost for doctor visits can be steep, because of the blood tests usually ordered and the need for an initial office visit and follow-up.  It can run around $100 per visit (cash).   But once you have your treatment regimen established, you might not need to see the doctor more often than once ever 4-6 months.

But there are ways to save money, too.  Doctors associated with non-profit service providers, like LGBT centers, universities or family planning centers may offer reduced cost treatment.  You should shop around for the best drug prices, too, as they vary widely even within the same town.

Carolyn Marie

[Imaginary Spiders]

Thanks for the advice. I've posted this else where. So far there has been some variation in the prices, but the HRT seems to be relatively cheap based upon peoples personal experiences.

[Jani]

I believe I read that Walmart's drug program has both Spiro and Estrogen/Estradiol for very reasonable prices.   My TG healthcare provider is in Boston at Fenway Health which is outside my HMO plan area so I self pay for my care.  I go to the pharmacy there as well.  I use patches for E with Spiro tablets and at the increased levels I'm on its about $40 a month.   As Carolyn suggests there are places to get reduced cost medication and care. 

Jani

[Cindy Truheart]

$20 for both E and Spiro with my insurance, but I've got good insurance. $25 copay for my old therapist back in NC, $35 copay for my Doctor back in NC. I don't know what any of that will be in the future here in CO.

[Imaginary Spiders]

Thanks for your answers. They have all been much lower than what I expected. The one thing I really need to know is should I go to a general practioner or psychologist to start this process?

[Ravin]

That also depends on your provider. Some doctors will start HRT based on informed consent, while others will, based on the WPATH standards, want to see a letter from a gender therapist first. A GP may also be comfortable starting and managing your HRT, or prefer to refer you to a specialist such as an endocrinologist or a GP who focuses on care for the trans community.

[Imaginary Spiders]

Thanks. I understand that not everyone is comfortable doing it and that I might be referred to someone else, but who should I go to first? GP or psychologist because I seriously do not have a clue who I should contact in this area.

[Ravin]

You can find a list of gender therapists here: http://www.lauras-playground.com/gender-therapists

For doctors, it can't hurt to start with your established GP, if you have one. If not, try checking radremedy.org, or ask around to any local GLBT center or trans support group. Local word of mouth can be the best way to find good providers.

 

[Guest Alicia Rose]

There were no gender therapists in my area and even if there were, I do not own a vehicle. So I asked for help here on LP and what I found was a therapist that offers online therapy or 'eTherapy', via Skype webcam. She follows the WPATH Guidelines and was able to write me a letter to begin HRT.

After seeing her for a bit, she gave me my letter and I searched for an Endocrinologist that was pro-LGBT to begin HRT treatment.

 

[TexasLibraryLady]

The answer of which Dr. to see first really all depends on the individual doctors. If you can find a GP or endocrinologist that you know works on informed consent, then you can go there without seeing a therapist first. However if they don't, you will need to see a therapist first. The easiest way to make sure you don't have any "wasted" trips to doctors is to see a therapist and get the hrt referral letter first.