Does your Dr. need to know?

[Linda E. Woodworth]

I declined to tell my primary care doctor about my crossdressing when I discussed my depression with him. We both go to the same church and our children go to the same school. I was hesitant to bring this subject out. I did talk about therapists but he was cold to the idea. He prescribed an anti-depressant which did the trick for the few months before I found my current therapist.

Come to think of it I don't remember how I found out her name or phone number. Thank God I did, she's wonderful and I've been seeing here ever since.

[PattyT]

First of all, if your crossdressing is not affecting your health, it would seem unnecessary to mention being a CD to a doctor. If you really need to se a therapist, as so many have mentioned you need to see one really familar with the DC or TG issue. I'm leary about seeing a therapist myself andat this point am not troubled by any problems which would require a therapist. I've come to terms with myself as a CD.

This statement is interesting:

"The question I would pose to you is whether cross dressing is the source of your depression and anxiety or cross dressing helps relieve your depression and anxiety."

During the years when I was confused about being a CD, feeling it might be wrong or that I there was something psychologically wrong with me for being a CD, I did feel anxiety and a bit of depression about this. Various forums, especially this one, made me realize that there was nothing wrong about this at all and a very natural aspect of perhaps about 5% of the male polulation. I know longer feel any anxiety or depression about it. Quite the opposite, especially when I am a bit stressed out by being too busy perhaps, going out dressed relieves that. Usually I'm not stressed out but going out dressed always makes me feel calmer, more relaxed, and very upbeat.
At least in my case, simply giving in to the CD need solved any minor psychological problems I might have had. I think that Americans in particular think first about seeing a therapist, rather than trying to work out the problem alone. It might be a cultural aspect. If solving the problem by onself fails, only then would seeing a therapist be in order perhaps.

[Sometimes Steffi]

If you're depressed, and want to talk to the doctor about it, I'd say tell.

I'm out to about half of my regular doctors. Mostly, it's because I told them, but at least a couple of times, it was, "Please take off your socks and shoes.

[Evie08]

I have my annual physical next week. I just had a pedicure - and I don't plan on taking off the polish. Actually, I told my doc some time ago. He thinks it's cool and always has questions.

[MarcellaMcNul]

For me personally I have no plans to tell my pcp. I have addressed it with therapists before and would again if the opportunity presents itself.

[Sabrina133]

BLUF - no, your PCP doesn't need to know unless its relevant to a health issue you are having. If you are seeing a therapist for an issue related to CDing or being TG, then yes, obviously.

[CONSUELO]

If you think that your cross dressing is in some way related to your depression then it might help to mention it to your doctor. He should then use that information in directing you to a counsellor or therapist who is most likely to have the skills and knowledge to help you.

[AlyssaS]

Because they deal with conditions that are rarer than this? Because the basics of HRT are dead simple, and largely identical to treating cisgender people? Because only a few hours of training could teach them to treat us as human beings, and with respect? Because their lack of training contributes to horrible health problems for trans people?

Because they take an oath to treat people and preserve life?

But no, most doctors are clueless at dealing with trans issues. Finding one who is helps a lot.

As for a therapist, most of them won't help if your depression and anxiety are gender related - i.e. gender dysphoria. You should find one who knows gender, in my opinion. And yes, anxiety and depression can be symptoms of GD. That has certainly been my experience.

GP's deal with stuff rarer that Trans*? I doubt that. At best, I would expect them to be able to refer you to the right person.

[heatherdress]

Your primary care doctor only needs to know if your crossdressing contributes to a medical issue. Same for most health care providers, except for mental health providers. It may be helpful for your therapist to know.

But before you unnecessarily confide in your crossdressing behavior to your eye doctor, surgeon or neurologist, accept the fact that your admission may become part of your medical records.

[JeanTG]

But before you unnecessarily confide in your crossdressing behavior to your eye doctor, surgeon or neurologist, accept the fact that your admission may will become part of your medical records.

Definitely will.

Because the basics of HRT are dead simple, and largely identical to treating cisgender people? Because only a few hours of training could teach them to treat us as human beings, and with respect? Because their lack of training contributes to horrible health problems for trans people?.

Actually, HRT is different for cisgender people. GGs do not have large amounts of testosterone to compete against, thus no androgen blockers. Plus the regimen is different if a post-menopausal (natural or induced) has her uterus or not.

But no, most doctors are clueless at dealing with trans issues. Finding one who is helps a lot.

GPs get a raw deal. They are expected to know everything. Most GPs have a long list of medical conditions that they see only once or twice in their careers (and sometimes never). Transgenderism is probably one of them (at least that is revealed by the patient). My wife is a GP. She has seen one transsexual in her 30+ year career (post-op and only realized from reading the patient's chart), and a few people she's suspected of being trans. But only the one who was openly so. To be experienced in a subject matter requires, well, experience. Most GPs that I know (socially and professionally) are conscientious people. If they can't deal with a problem through lack of experience, they will try to find the right specialist for a referral. Everything most GPs know about CD, TG and TS is from a brief chapter in whatever version of the DSM they were using while in med school.

[OCCarly]

I think the real question is, regarding the anxiety and depression, just how much and how bad?

If it is bad enough to need to be treated with medication, and you have a choice regarding the medication (HRT versus antidepressants, anti anxiety meds, etc.), then you and your doctor should be making a fully informed decision.