Question about the process

[Bad]

Hi everyone, so I am considering going to a gender therapist soon to help sort out the things I'm feeling. I'm just curious about the process; how does one actually start HRT? Are you "approved" first? And what are things you have to do after you start? Do you have to go to the doctor for checkups? I still have about a week before I can ask questions like these in person but I can't exactly wait haha. Thanks for any information.

[Carolyn Marie]

The gender therapist can give you a letter saying you're a good candidate for HRT, or something similar, but it is not required these days.  Some therapists will provide the letter upon your request, a few might still want to conduct a few therapy sessions first, but again, that is not required by the Standards of Care.

 

Often, the G.T. will recommend an endocrinologist, but if they don't its usually easy to find one in any big city or most medium sized cities and towns.  It's best to find one that is familiar with HRT for trans folk, but its not essential as long as they're willing to do the research.  That's why getting a recommendation from your G.T., or from an LGBT center.is the best approach.  It can also be managed by a primary care doctor, again, as long as they're willing to study up on the issues.

 

A good doctor will order blood tests to get a base line for your hormone levels, do a detailed history, and any other tests they feel are necessary,  They'll want to know about any other medical conditions you have, or have had, so please be honest with them.  HRT can cause serious issues for anyone with liver, kidney or heart problems.

 

Once your base line tests are done, the doctor will prescribe your medicines; likely a combination of testosterone blockers and estrogen.  There are many different drugs, methods of delivery and dosages, and they will (ideally) do what is in your best medical interest.  They should also explain clearly what you can expect and what the risks are.  If they don't, please don't be afraid to ask.

 

Just a reminder that our site rules don't allows discussion of  dosage information.  But feel free to ask other questions.  Oh, and a frequently asked question is usually, "when will I notice the effects?"  The answer is, "your mileage may vary."  In other words, everyone is different.  But on average, you'll start noticing changes in 3-4 months.

 

Have a nice journey, and enjoy the ride.  Please keep your hands and arms inside the vehicle at all times. 

 

Carolyn Marie

[Kirsten]

For me this was how I started. 

First I came here and asked a million and one questions. ????

Next I went to my normal doctor to ask about hrt and he referred me to a clinic nearby that specializes in the lbgtq community.

About a month later I had an appointment with a doc there. They asked me some questions, actually a LOT of questions, and told me I should find a therapist to talk to (but it wasn’t necessary) and made another appointment for a month later. They also asked me to stop self medicating so they could get some bloodwork and base level testing when I came back. 

I did find a therapist who turned out to be evil ? and when I went back I got my scrips for e and t-blockers. Very low doses. And another appointment a month later for another checkup and more bloodwork. I had already been taking things I shouldn’t have prior to going there so they skipped a step. Normally they prescribe t blockers only for the first month at my clinic but I got both due to my previous exposure.  

 

Since then ive been back 2 more times. And I have another appointment in March. It’s every 6 months now unless there’s issues. 

They have also helped me with getting all the paperwork for my legal name change and gender marker changes as well. And provide amazing service. 

It’s not always this easy for people depending on where in the world you are. But it should be. Good luck! 

Kirsten