Transition questions

[Kim1]

Hello everyone I’m still new to this forum but I like all the support and love you give to people!

I’m MTF who hasn’t told anyone yet! I look like a guy from the outside but on the inside is a whole different thing! I think about transition everyday, but I just don’t wanna upset my family and disappointed people but I do feel like I’m really close to make my decision!

I did a lot of research about transition but  I still have a few questions about transition if you don’t mind, I know you may have answered some of them (I’m sorry )

 

1- I would like to know if the HRT could affect the heart or kidneys?

2- what kind of Dr I need to look for that prescribe HRT? Is it the psychologist or Physician?

3-  how can I tell if the new Dr is trans friendly? What To look for?

4-  is the HRT covered by the health insurance?

5- is the FFS covered by the health insurance?

6- what is more effective the HRT pills or the patches?

7- I would like to change my name once I start HRT, is that going to affect my health insurance coverage with the name change?

8- what is the process for the name change for transgender individuals in New York ? 

 

Sorry if it’s too many questions!

 

thank you!

 

[Jackie C.]

No problem, I can take a stab.

 

(1) T suppression can affect your liver or kidneys depending on what you take. It puts strain on your heart in old age, just like it would if your body was producing it naturally. So increased stroke risk.

 

(2) Endocrinologist. However, some states have access to a Planned Parenthood clinic with an Endo that will give you HRT no questions asked. However, you do need a letter of recommendation from your psychologist before you can start HRT.

 

(3) I ask. When I meet a new doctor, I ask, "I'm trans. Is that going to be a problem?"

 

(4) Depends on your health insurance. Some do. Some don't.

 

(5) Probably not. Your might have WAY better insurance than I do, but FFS is a cosmetic procedure. Usually insurance just covers hormones and maybe GCS if they cover trans issues at all.

 

(6) Whatever your endo prescribes is the way to go. It depends on your personal physiology and what they feel comfortable giving you.

 

(7) Nope. Just make sure to let them know as soon as possible.

 

(8) There I can't help you. I'm not in New York. Check New York Name Change. It looks pretty straightforward though.

 

Hugs!

[Jani]

Hello Kim,

You appear to be asking questions that are good but it would be advisable to connect with a Gender specific counselor.  A LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) or Psychologist would be who you would look for, although a LMHC will be less expensive.  While they cannot prescribe hormone replacement drugs they can prepare you for when the time comes.  Typically an endocrinologist would be the prescribing physician because they fully understand the contradictions and interactions when initiating any serious drug therapy, which is what HRT is.  A MD or OD may also prescribe IF they have experience with transgender care.  (My doctor is an OD.) 

 

As to Jackies statement about showing up at PP and getting a prescription, that may be an over simplification.  While NY is an "informed consent" state there are protocols that need to be followed.  You need to understand the impact of the therapy and they will determine that you are healthy enough (i.e. heart and kidney health).   Many doctors do follow the requirements of WPATH which spells out recommended guidelines.  

 

This is not a simple process and those that rush through it are the ones who end up most disappointed.  Please take the time to understand and get proper care.

 

Jani 

 

[ShawnaLeigh]

Jackie pretty much nailed it.  
I will say start with a good gender therapist.  They tend to know a lot of this info in your area like trans friendly doctors etc.  Mine has helped me with all those questions.  He recommended I use Planned Parenthood and Jackie is correct. They make it super fast n easy.  
My BlueCrossBlueSheild insurance covers quite a bit but not anything cosmetic.  So no voice changing or facial surgery’s nor hair removal methods.  This seems typical but like she said some way less.  If you are a Veteran then your local VA hospital does cover a lot too. 

[Carolyn Marie]

With many insurance companies, a "yes" answer often depends on whether your doctor can convincingly state that the procedure or medicine is "medically necessary."  But I agree with the others that FFS and other cosmetic procedures are rarely covered.  Breast enhancement is perhaps the only exception, and even that is pretty rare.

 

In most states, any doctor can prescribe HRT meds, but even though they can do it, many will still refer you to an endo.  I had a rare instance in which my endo couldn't have cared less about my HRT, but my PCP was excited to treat me for HRT and did an excellent job.

 

Getting medical care as a trans person is, to borrow a movie line, like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna get.

 

Carolyn Marie

[Kim1]

Thank you everyone one for the support and I will definitely start looking for psychologist! 

 

Kim

[Charlize]

You may well find this resource useful.  I put Kingston NY in the search engine as i don't know where in NY you live but you can explore locally.  I and many others here have gone to gender therapists and i know mine helped me a great deal.

 

https://www.transgenderpulse.com/resource-locator/

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize