First HRT Appointment Advice!!

[Lauren245]

I'm sure this topic has been covered previously, so my apologies in advance if I am asking a question that has already been discussed. 

 

I wanted to gather some feedback from those that have undergone HRT, and ask for some advice on one's first HRT appointment.  I have my first HRT exam/appointment coming up this Tuesday 10/30 with a physician that specializes in the care of Transgender patients... and I have so many questions!!

 

1.  What should I expect to happen??  Is this a full on physical examination?  Just blood work? 

 

2.  What kind of questions were you asked??  I know I am probably just being weird, worrying about it too much - but I just like to be prepared!

 

3.  How should I present???  I am so unsure how I should present myself for this appointment.  My appointment is with an extremely LGBT friendly clinic, and I seriously doubt that how I present myself will matter, but I just wanted to get some feedback from others as to what they did for their appointments.  Currently, I do not present FT, but attending either way is absolutely no issue. 

 

4.  Is having a "tiny" bit of self doubt prior to a normal feeling??  I have literally waited for this day to come my entire life, I have gone through the process with a Gender Therapist who has validated my Gender Dysphoria - but there is still this little part of me that wonders "am I doing the right thing??". 

 

Thank you in advance!  I know that I am probably WAY overthinking this... but I just wanted the chance to throw this out to the forum and see what others think and have gone through themselves!!  I am both SOOO excited and incredibly nervous at the same time.  Any advice from those who have gone through this would be VERY appreciated!!!   

 

❤️  Lauren

[Jani]

Hello Lauren. 

 

My first appointment was a bit of a let down as I didn't get a script, but I had no idea what the process would be.  I imagine each doctor is different but mine did not do a physical except for taking vital signs.  I was given a script for blood work to be done. 

 

I was asked what I wanted (obviously).  I explained how long I've been on this journey.  I spoke of my medical history. My doctor had a powerpoint presentation that explained what HRT consisted of and what changes I could expect at my age.  We talked about delivery methods.  

 

I would go in whatever fashion you feel comfortable in.  You won't be judged. 

 

Self doubt is certainly a part of this!  I second guessed myself at every junction since there was a lot at stake for me. Needless to say I moved forward at each stage happy I was making a good decision.   Also you being here asking questions is a good way to help validate your choice.   But the choice is your's only.   My advice, Don't fret!   I was horribly nervous but I found there was no need to be.  I'm glad to hear you are excited!!

 

Cheers, Jani

 

 

[Lauren245]

Hi Jani!! 

 

Thank you so much for the info!!  I've absolutely no idea what to expect, and thought I would reach out to others who have gone through this and gather some info.  The lady I spoke with said that blood work is a definite (I was expecting that), and that after the consultation with the physician I would leave the office with scripts in hand...  we shall see!  I know my therapist has already sent her letter of confirmation over to them - so hopefully everything goes swimmingly. 

 

So good to read that me and my tiny bit of worry about going through with this is normal - as the day gets closer and closer I've found myself thinking more and more "is this really the right decision??".  The end result is always a firm yes, which keeps me moving forward as you pointed out! 

 

Thanks again for sharing your experience, it's GREATLY appreciated more than I can express. 

 

❤️  Lauren

[Rachael]

I would go dressed as yourself.they will not judge you so why not go dressed. But go as how you feel most comfortable. 

I found a doctor that took me on informed consent, there were blood work and counseling and releases for records. About a week later she called and said blood work looked good and would start hrt and I got my scripts. 

Only you will know if it’s the right thing. When I got the meds I sat and looked at them and wondered is this really happening, do I want this, should I do this? I took them and it was the best decision things have gotten so much better since. 

Congratulations and best wishes.  

[Charlize]

  I remember my first visit with great clarity.  Like you i was full of excitement, happiness and some doubts as well.  The doubts didn't stop me.  I thought back to my therapy and remembered all the times i had felt things needed change.  

  I went as myself as at that time i was full time.  I would suggest that you simply be comfortable and present with that in mind.

  I was asked only a few questions.  Most of my visit was spent in informing me of the effects and possible side effects  I even got a lesson in self breast exams.

 

Enjoy your journey!

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

 

[Willow]

First time I went to my doctor to ask for HRT, I had already gone for the testing and he knew what I wanted but at the last day or two I backed off.  Still met with him.  Talked about the risks and met again.  Its been several months.  I have another appointment scheduled in a couple of weeks and I intend to ask again.

 

 

[Susan R]

I had a very similar experience to Jani on my first appointment to check levels and hopefully get an HRT script.  I had all the vitals taken and was interviewed by a nurse first who had me fill out some additional paperwork. My blood pressure was a little high. The nurse knew I was very nervous and she did a great job at making me feel very comfortable.  There was absolutely no judgement at all.  She actually asked me if I'd like to by called by my male name or another name that I felt comfortable with instead.  When I said, "Yes, Susan, if it's not too much trouble."   She said, "That's great! Susan.  Would you like the prescription and all future paperwork to reflect this change?"  I agreed and was now feeling better than ever.

 

When the doc came in, she saw my slightly elevated blood pressure numbers and mentioned it.  I told her I was very nervous and asked her if she might recheck it.  Usually, I was in the normal range when testing at home.  She was nice enough to recheck my BP and sure enough, I was back down in the normal range.

 

After telling my doc a paraphrased version of my transgendered life story, she informed me about all the expected changes, risks, benefits, and options to administer the medications. Soon thereafter, the office sent the scripts to my pharmacy under my feminine name.  It was all very painless and one of the best choices I've ever made.

 

Susan R?

[BrandiBri]

I too remember my first visit. I, like everyone else, was both excited and nervous. I had no idea what to expect, but my doctor went over the forms that described what to expect, the timeline for the various changes and had me initial each item on the forms. I walked out with the prescriptions in hand. In my case, since I had just received my lab report from my primary physician I didn't need to be poked that day.

I went in as Brandi even though I was not full time yet. Everyone was very professional and I felt comfortable all the time I was there.

[RithiaAllen]

I remember my first appointment and how nervous I was. Although I think I was honestly more nervous going to get my first laser session with all the woman there as a guy. The awkwardness. By the time I was there for HRT I think I was just excited to finally be getting the chance to get the testosterone out of my system. However to be honest my first few HRT appointments I had with my birth name and it wasn't until my third appointment that I called and notified them to flip all my paper work over to my new legal name and started going out as me. Thankfully at that point other then my voice I was passable but it didn't keep my heart from fluttering in the office worrying about what everyone was thinking.