GRM after/during HRT

[Sophie Watson]

Lately I've been finding a lot of conflicted reports from many different women and I just want to see if we can set the record straight. 

 

(I wasn't sure which topic to post this thread in, I apologise it's in the wrong place)

 

Basically one of my goals is to have the bottom surgery. I find this so important if I am ever to be in a relationship where I can feel comfortable with my body around my chosen partner. 

 

I'm wanting to do HRT privately which is still in the research stage mainly when it comes down to price. 

 

My main issue however is that I have been told by numerous women that you HAVE to have the bottom surgery between 18 - 24 months on HRT. Like have too, you can't have it earlier and you can't have it later. 

 

So basically, is this true? Could anybody share their experiences and maybe shed some light on this topic for me?

[Carrie]

Hello Sophie 

The before is necessary and it depends on where you are and who you are seeing.  The after doesn't matter as far as the surgery goes it may be something in the insurance that stipulates that I could not say.

I am sure some here will have more information.

Take care

Carrie

[Cyndee]

I had my surgery 5 years after I started HRT, and that's just me, everything is simply fine today.

 

C

 

 

 

 

[VickySGV]

I had been on HRT for two and a half years by the time I had my surgery, but that is U.S.A. and all is well 7.5 years later.  Next Monday will be 11 years on HRT.  Unless it is some time issue with your health plan in Yorkshire I cannot think of a good reason it would have an 18 month cap on things.  Charts of HRT effects show that it kicks into gear between 3 to six months, but then takes 3 to 6 years to complete itself on the body changes.  I can see a little bit of why a therapist may wait the year to 18 months before writing a surgery referral letter since by then you are not likely to want to be let out of the Transition flight pattern but it is a Behavioral Health thing, not physical issue.

[Jani]

I had surgery a little over one year after beginning HRT and I am fine.  Not sure where you heard that statistic.  

[KathyLauren]

I can't see any reason why there would be an upper limit on the time between starting HRT and having surgery.  A lot of surgeons and insurers require a minimum of 12 months on HRT, but I have never heard of a maximum. 

 

I had my surgery more than three years after starting HRT, just because that is how long it took to make the arrangements.

[Sophie Watson]

Thank you everyone! 

 

The answer is clearly as day. 

 

There's no deadline for GRS after HRT. 

 

That's a massive relief for me.  

[Jackie C.]

A little late to the party but yeah. WPATH guidelines say you need to be on HRT for at least a year, but there are no restrictions past that. Personally, I tried to get it done as quickly as possible because I was worried about atrophy (I didn't have to be, I never lost function even with the Spiro) and ended up getting my surgery at about 18 months, but I could have gone longer. Some of the waiting lists for surgeons practically ensure that.

 

Hugs!