Starting HRT before or after coming out

[Sofie]

I’m setting up my appointment to start HRT next week, as part of that initial appointment I will also have a meeting with behavioral health. In the past I did something that showed poor judgment and started medication myself, and was very happy with the results but failed to continue. Now I see why. I had no support, I was totally on my own. No MD for medical support, no therapist for emotional support. I figure, I’m a doctor, I don’t need any one else, I have all this training and experience. Was I wrong. This time I am doing it the right way. I am excited and hopeful. I thank all of you that have reached out to me. Love you all.

[Sally Stone]

Sofie, we all do things we later regret, right?  We wouldn't be human if we didn't make mistakes.  But it looks as though you recognized your missteps and are now moving to correct them.  Congratulations; that can be hard to do.  I'm so glad you are taking the right path and seeking support.  Best wishes.

[Sofie]

You’re very right. It was a mistake of hubris I’m afraid. 

[Guest]

I am kind of glad I saw this post. I have toyed with the idea of starting with HRT with estrogen and finasteride before I see anybody, but I am holding off to get as thin as I can before I start. Sofie, I cannot fault you. Yeah, you are a physician and you are human too. I would not beat myself up over it. I do wonder if they will ever do ovary transplants or vaginal transplants. Imagine the possibilities. 

Sincerely

Katie

 

[Heather Shay]

@Katie23 Please don't start without supervision. I tried years ago and caused all sorts of prostate issues. I'm now under supervision and never felt better.

[Guest]

Thanks Heather,
I already came to that conclusion. I agree on waiting on supervision. The do it yourself model can have its' problems. I have seen that in the ER with a few patients who went the illegal market.

 

There is part of me that wants snap my fingers, twitch my nose, or fold my arms and blink, but this is not a tv show. Baby steps, at least I found a great salon to get a pedicure! 

Sincerely

Katie

[Ivy]

NC is an Informed Consent state.  So you can get HRT without a therapist's approval.  But you still need monitoring of blood work etc. for your own safety.  If you don't have a doctor of your own Planned Parenthood works with transgender people out of their clinics.

[Kylie]

I agree with Shay, please have a provider follow. Such as with what Jandi Said, yes in NC it is an informed consent state. But, the caveat with that is it is a bit easier to have a counselor already on your side if you plan to seek out reassignment surgeries, etc that require you to have the WPATH documentation. I am a resident of NC as well and am always willing to help out if you need guidance seeking out providers! Just remember- Estrogen is no joke, as healthcare providers, we know all to well the damage blood clots can do to the body!

 

Kylie

[Guest]

Oh, I have a healthy respect for what you are saying. I have had to take care of a few PEs and other complications from folks self-medicating.