Neophite Question About HRT

[Jodygurl]

I've been thinking about this for a couple of years and just didn't know where to turn for answers. Thank goodness I found this site.

So, here goes.

What type of doctor do I look for to ask about estrogen theropy? And, do you know of anyone in St. Louis?

I'd love to have an idea of doctor costs and drug cost. A general idea would be helpful. No, I don't have insurance.

During HRT, do you loose your male function and ability for gratification? (can I still have an erection and orgasm?)

I've been taking black cohash for a while and I love the effect. I've become very sensative and somewhat swollen. Or maybe that's just wishful thinking.

Sure would appreciate any advise you might have.

[rachellenicole]

Make an appointment with an Endocrynologist who is familiar with HRT for Transgendered people. I realize that you do not have insurance, however, your health/life is is worth the money you would pay for treatment by a professional. There are many people who self medicate, and put their lives at risk. The cost for estrogen is very reasonable, probably cheaper than herbals in the long run.
Depending on the dosage and treatment, you can still maintain sexual function on very low doseage of estrogen. This is info is from my Endo. who I saw today.
I'm sure that other members here that are receiving HRT will have additional information for you.

Good Luck,

Rach

[jerca]

Here http://www.transgendercare.com/medical/resources/tmf_program/tmf_program_6.asp is a description of typical results of HRT. You might want to read the whole article from the begining for more information.

LP,
Jerca

[Stephenie S]

The standard way to go is to visit a gender therapist first. Few endocrinologists will treat you without some assurance that you are sane. Find a gender therapist, they provide a letter of recommendation to an endo. Then you get your hormones.

Most therapists will work outside the system if you have no insurance. Be sure and say this upfront. My therapist charges $50 an hour, far less than what she would bill the insurance company if I were insured.

My endo visits are much more, but I only have to see him 3 or 4 times a year so I can budget for it.

Hormone therapy itself is cheap, cheap, cheap. Estradiol is birth control (a bit stronger for us) and is made by the billions. Very cheap. Spiro, the tesosterone blocker, is a blood pressure med also made in huge quantities and very inexpensive.

The big bucks in transition will be FFS ($40,000), and SRS ($20,000). Somewhat down the line for you, but there is no time like the present to start saving.

Stephie

[Hope]

I've been thinking about this for a couple of years and just didn't know where to turn for answers. Thank goodness I found this site.

I think we al know that feeling. Welcome.



What type of doctor do I look for to ask about estrogen theropy? And, do you know of anyone in St. Louis?

You need to see an endocrinologist, though some folks have had good luck getting hormones from their GPs, or other doctors. But before you see an endocrinologist, you will need to see a therapist. Hormones will make permanent changes to your body and mind, and no responsible doctor will prescribe anything for you unless they have some assurance that you are serious about this, and that you understand the risks and the consequences involved. If you can find a therapist that specializes in gender issues you should. Your therapist will be able to refer you to a good endocrinologist when the time is right.



During HRT, do you loose your male function and ability for gratification? (can I still have an erection and orgasm?)

Yes, and No. Many people report loosing the ability to have an erection, but not everyone. Honestly I tend to think that if you are worried about maintaining an erection, HRT may not be for you. Erection or not, you will not loose the ability to orgasm from taking hormones. The truth is that everyone responds differently to hormones, and there is no good way to predict what you will get out of them, other than to say that if you are going to self medicate, you are rolling the dice on your own life, and paying too much to do it. In the long run you won't save anything by bypassing the medical establishment, but you will incur rather extreme risk.

[CharleneT]

Welcome !!

Hopefully you will find answers and companionship/friendship galore here ;)

The above answers have "gold in them thar hills. . . ". I'll add just 2 things: if you are not willing to completely lose your "male function" on HRT do not start it, and before HRT please start with a therapist to find out about where you are and what the future could/would mean if you try to transition.

. . . oh ... one other bit, add to Stephanie's list of pricey bits: electrolysis = $6000 -ish --- and it should be started first !

[Billijo49504]

Here in the states, we can, with a perscription, get meds for $10 for 3 months worth, At WallMart. I was one of those that was going to self medicate, but these people here talked me in to getting therapist.That was the best thing I ever did. So please do the right thing, and get counciling. I wish I would have done it 40 yrs ago...BJ

[luvSophia]

I have been on HRT for a year now and have not seen an endo yet. My hormones are prescribed by my family doctor (a GP) and she never asked about a letter from my therapist. All the responses above are correct if you go strictly by the Standards of Care but some doctors feel that the SOC are too restrictive in this respect. My GP knows how to order a set of labs, which ones are needed and how to read them. If you can find a family doctor who is comfortable with prescribing HRT it is going to be significantly cheaper than seeing an endocrinologist if you're paying out of pocket. I'd try and contact a local support group to see if there is a TS friendly doctor in your area.