What's the earliest that I can start T, and how can I convince my parents that it's safe?

[whatishappening]

I’ve asked my parents about starting T or hormone blockers, and it’s always been a very strong no. They believe that it’ll cause more problems than it solves. I really want to start T, and I don’t want to have to wait until I move out, but I might have to. I’ve done lots of research on it, but they’re still convinced that the risk outweighs the reward, and they’re lacking a lot of knowledge on trans stuff in general. How do I make them see that I really want this, and that it’s not as bad as they think? I doubt I’ll be able to make them see how much this means to me and how much this would help me, but any advice helps.

[VickySGV]

With some of the other shenanigans going on right now, I am afraid that your parents, no matter how much they see you want the T are going to be pushing back and holding off on their permission. They will say NO simply because they can for no really good reason. The majority of clinical evidence is that HRT is safe if you are over a certain developmental stage, generally 16+ if your doctor sees no other problems, including family histories of blood clots and other organ problems.  There are however "scientific experts" using junk science to feed beliefs such as your parents and are feeding those same things to 20 U.S. states to get them to outlaw any hormones or puberty blockers to people under 21 years.  The immediate future looks bleak but I suspect things will change in time.  Your parents want to believe the negative, and so my best for you is to keep up one day at a time and time will be on your side.  Please get a therapist or Adolescent Medicine team to help you hold on, and when you can move out and are of legal age, you will have had time to prepare for what you want.

[April-Showers]

what a sad situation to be in. have you been a male since very young? if so have you been talking to your parents about it for a long time? my situation was totally different. i knew from a very young age that i am female and my parents always accepted that i am. it may have helped that my parents are both professionals, my dad a physician and my mom an attorney but that's just my take on it. i suppose even they might not have understood. i am fortunate. i wish i had some good advice for you. just stay true to yourself. thank you.  

[MelanieTamara]

On 4/19/2021 at 12:49 PM, whatishappening said:

How do I make them see that I really want this, and that it’s not as bad as they think? I doubt I’ll be able to make them see how much this means to me and how much this would help me, but any advice helps.

 

The question is, scientifically, do you need Hormone Replacement Therapy at your current age? What are your current stoichiometric levels? How is your liver functioning?  Can you safely live on an HRT regimen? Only a medical profesional can answer that.

 

Its my perception that there is a pervasive belief out there on the internet that you're not "officially trans" unless you are on an HRT regimen. Whether that perception is right, I don't really know.  I do worry though that so many people associate "being trans" with being on an HRT regimen. It's almost a gateway if you will.   Like Hey Girl, You on E?.  No. Talk to the hand.

 

I also believe that HRT therapy does nothing more than change the fat distribution priority / messaging in your body. It's only one tool in a whole set of tools available to address gender dysphoria. There are studies out there that oestrogen has no psychological effects.  However, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence out there that it does. So research is your tool of choice on solving that riddle.

 

I guess what I am saying is that there is speculation about HRT and there is science. Both are legitimate factors when considering the need for HRT and whether to choose HRT as a focus point for your happiness.