I have a question about hormones.

[Suzanne44]

Hi it's Suzanne

 

 I'm really new to all this and was hoping for some information. As yet I haven't started my transition, and not come out to my family or friends yet. I'm hoping to do both very soon. I know I have to see my doctor who I hope will refer me to a G.I.C and also refer me to a therapist. Now I'v seen a lot of posts mentioning endocrinologists -

will my doctor or therapist refer me to one ?.

Also I'd like to ask about hormones, will my doctor, therapist, or endocrinologist prescribe me hormones or will I have to wait until I see someone at the G.I.C . I'm concerned because there is a long waiting list to get a first appointment (2-3 years or more), I hoped that I would have started hormones before then. I hate to sound impatient, but I had hoped to have started H.R.T as soon as possible.

 

As always ❤️ Suzanne

 

[Carolyn Marie]

Hi, Suzanne.  I'm admittedly no expert on issues related to the NHS, but your questions are pretty generic so I think I can answer them.

 

Endocrinologists, while knowledgeable and (usually) helpful, are not essential to monitor HRT and prescribe what's necessary.  But an endo, or any doctor, who is familiar with the care and feeding of trans folk are a better choice.  The G.I.C. should be able to refer you to someone in your area.  Any doctor can prescribe hormones and (if necessary) T-blockers (anti-androgens). It all depends on whether they are willing.

 

The one question I can't answer is whether, under NHS rules, you have to wait for an appointment with the G.I.C.  Hopefully some UK folks will come along to help answer that.

 

Carolyn Marie

[Suzanne44]

Hi Carolyn Marie

 

 Thank you for your post and answering my questions. It's made me feel more positive. Thank you so much.

 

❤️ Suzanne.

 

[Bridget]

On 9/12/2022 at 11:58 PM, Suzanne44 said:

Hi it's Suzanne

 

 I'm really new to all this and was hoping for some information. As yet I haven't started my transition, and not come out to my family or friends yet. I'm hoping to do both very soon. I know I have to see my doctor who I hope will refer me to a G.I.C and also refer me to a therapist. Now I'v seen a lot of posts mentioning endocrinologists -

will my doctor or therapist refer me to one ?.

Also I'd like to ask about hormones, will my doctor, therapist, or endocrinologist prescribe me hormones or will I have to wait until I see someone at the G.I.C . I'm concerned because there is a long waiting list to get a first appointment (2-3 years or more), I hoped that I would have started hormones before then. I hate to sound impatient, but I had hoped to have started H.R.T as soon as possible.

 

As always ❤️ Suzanne

 

Hiya Suzanne,

 

first and foremost congrats on making this decision it’s a big step in your life and I assume a positive one.

 

Ok so your in U.K. as am I, your doctor will refer you to your local GIC clinic there are 9 in the U.K. I believe so your local one may not be down the road so to speak.

 

There is two sessions you have they can be done remotely with them, once the initial consultation has been completed they will contact you for the second one in a 2 to 4 month timeframe for the more sessions 2nd session (diagnoses) this appointment is important to have document should you wish to have a GRC certificate I strongly reccomend you obtain a written copy should you be sueccesful in this appointment.

 

The GIC will then prescribe you your hormones and manage your blood levels accordingly.

 

Or you could choose to go with the London transgender clinic, a private path which has a considerably reduced lead time of only 3 month wait well it was for me it could be 6 month now at absolute max.  It’s super quick this is the path I choose and had a day out in London and got my hormones that day.

 

You should only be prescribed estrogen first and the t blocker decision will come afterwards.

 

Hope this is of help sorry it’s long winded just wanted to help you see a true picture.

[Suzanne44]

Hi Bridget

     Thank you so much for the information. It is very helpful. It's cleared things up for me. I was worried because I wasn't sure what would happen, thank you again.

 

As always ❤️ Suzanne

 

 

[Sarah Victoria]

 

Hi Bridget and Suzanne44....

 

I am new here as joined yesterday but already Suzanne you have asked one of my first questions ....as i am starting out on my journey....and to Bridget your answer has answered several of my enquiries.

 

I am in UK also and my Gp is in the process of referring me to the GIC in London while i am undergoing therapy for Genital Dysphoria which has been causing me a lot of anguish for some time now.

 

Am sending you both a big thank you, warm hug and would like to chat with you more if ok ?.

 

Lots of love

Sarah xx

 

[Sarah Victoria]

Hi Bridget,  hope you having a lovely day.

 

You mentioned in another chat that when you were on HRT that your interests etc changed a lot as you progressed .   I really hope that when i start my journey on HRT that this happens to me and make my mind, interests and desires even more feminine.

 

One day when i hope it happens i can let you know the changes i think of and new interests.

 

Hug to you

 

 

[DeeDee]

The UK NHS is great but underfunded and overburdened so the waiting lists are ridiculous. Going private helps skipping some of the wait times if you have the funds, but you should stay on the waiting list for the GIC as they can signpost you to the other services.

There is a lot that you can do to socially transition even before starting HRT because that helps the psychologist to see that you are serious, the more you have already integrated your life, the less visits it will take for them to assess you.

 

(Also Hi @Sarah Victoria!) 

[Sarah Victoria]

Hi Dee Dee.

 

Thankyou for your information, lovely of you.

 

I have started with my GP and informed him of my past history and what future i would love to achieve, and he has agreed to look into me being referred to the London GIC.

 

Also i have my first therapy session of several for my Gender Dysphoria with a very good lady therapist who has a lot of experience and specialises in gender identification etc etc,   so the ball is now running after much deliberation by me over many years.   Must do as i was hating myself, the situation, couple of times near to taking my own life.

 

So, my journey now begins.......

 

Keep well in lovely Scotland

Hug to you

[Sarah Victoria]

I wrote a letter to my therapist before our first meeting, tried not to be too long but so much has happened found it very difficult.

 

So lot of details were straight to the point, which she replied gave her a very good idea where i was coming from, suffering these days and my hoped for way forward.

 

So time will tell, but plucked up the courage to accept and embrace.

[Suzanne44]

Hi it's Suzanne

   Thank you for answering my questions it's much appreciated. I have finally come out to my closest family members and they are all being so supportive. Hopefully I will get to see my G.P  in the next week or so and finally get the ball rolling. I never thought that this day would ever come, through a lot of support of friends on here you all gave me the confidence to be open and honest with my family. Their response has been overwhelming, I never thought that they would be so supportive, I've been blown away. Now with their support I finally feel that I can do anything. I'll let you all know how I get on with my G.P.  I look forward to talking to you all. Feel free to message me anytime. Thank you all.

 

As always ♥️ Suzanne.

[Bridget]

On 10/5/2022 at 4:22 PM, Sarah Victoria said:

 

Hi Bridget and Suzanne44....

 

I am new here as joined yesterday but already Suzanne you have asked one of my first questions ....as i am starting out on my journey....and to Bridget your answer has answered several of my enquiries.

 

I am in UK also and my Gp is in the process of referring me to the GIC in London while i am undergoing therapy for Genital Dysphoria which has been causing me a lot of anguish for some time now.

 

Am sending you both a big thank you, warm hug and would like to chat with you more if ok ?.

 

Lots of love

Sarah xx

 

Hiya Sarah,

 

Welcome! Pleased to meet you, if there is anything I can help with I will gladly assist.

I have some knowledge that could be of some use in many aspects aside from the srs which I am in process deciding surgeon. 
 

Dee is correct stay on the waiting list but to be honest your better off going with London transgender clinic £50 a month will get you on the books and skip the 4 year waiting list just to be seen by a nhs assessor.  
 

Be nice to chat you seem so lovely! 
 

all the very best

Bridget x

[Sarah Victoria]

Hi Bridget,

 

Would so love to chat more with you  about many things and also fashion and favourite outfits, and thankyou for such a lovely greeting you have given me and wish to say you look so radiant in your profile photo.  I do have a photo of a special makeover i had few years back to show giving me a permanent oh if only !!!

 

Hope you are having a lovely weekend

 

Warm hug to you

Sarah xx

[Bridget]

Hiya again,

 

Well please do I don’t mind as I said previously 😎 ahhh thanks that was at work hehehe

 

oh really how lovely god I could give you some tips sis! 
 

Yeah good thanks did bit shopping yesterday and seeing some family today.

 

Bridget

[Sarah Victoria]

Treat your self to some nice dress or coat for coming colder days ?

 

i have topped up my opaque tights as feeling the cold more..... denier 40 my favourite, black, red and mauve colours.  Looking at a couple of turtleneck dress jumpers to lounge around in when i can, higher kneck to hide my adams apple.

 

Would love a pair of suede knee high boots but not possible as not easy to hide from my wife.... you like knee highs ?.

 

Love

Sarah 

 

and have a lovely family day from your new sis xx