Hrt

[nicola_ts]

Hi now I am starting my life over as Nicola now I'm just wondering what the best steps are regarding seeing a gp and what sort of timescale is usually involved

[Myojine]

I think the conventional route is you go to a therapist, cry your eyes out about being a man and how you want to die because of it.
you see a doctor... then
you know that never worked for me
I dunno. I got my hormones after spending another 2 weeks in the hospital, and was lucky enough to finally talk some sense into a doctor to perscribe me hormones instead of another pointless psychatric drug.
the other girls will know better than me.

[johanna.kitten]

Hi there Nicola. Good for you!

Now, it is a little bit hard to tell as, to me, "starting life as Nicola" does not lend itself much to point out where in the process you are. Do you live 24/7 now, and for how long? Have you legally changed your name yet? Are your prescribed HRT or do you get them, like I do, on-line without any? It seems you have not been prescribed HRT as you're asking regarding seeing a GP.

I might not be the right person to answer your questions as I'm just begun my transition a few weeks ago. I expect it to take, perhaps, 4.5-5 years if I go with the NHS. I assume you're looking at this option as well. I see you're in London as I am, so I suggest you aim at Charing X, get a GP, get the GP to refer you to psychiatrist for screening/assessment and then I guess you might be referred to specialists and then Charing X. Not sure about this whole route yet, I have only had 2 sessions with the NHS so far. I assume you've found the sticky NHS thread on this site?

/Johanna

[Hephaestus]

Have you seen a gender therapist? If not, you'll probably need to see one for a while, and get a letter to give an endocrinologist or gp... If you already have done that, then if you have a good doctor lined up, you can have a prescription in hand after a visit or two. For me it happened a little differently, but that's the general process, for most, as I understand it.

...Or are you asking for a time frame of hrt results? Your mileage may vary.

[Michelle.M]

Have you seen a gender therapist? If not, you'll probably need to see one for a while, and get a letter to give an endocrinologist or gp... If you already have done that, then if you have a good doctor lined up, you can have a prescription in hand after a visit or two. For me it happened a little differently, but that's the general process, for most, as I understand it.

Yes, that is the general process, although there are many girls here who have gone a variety of other routes. My therapist follows the WPATH guidelines, which require, I think, 3 months of pre-hrt therapy.

I believe that's the way to go. You really ought to mentally prepare yourself for the effects of HRT and develop reasonable expectations. Therapy will help with that.

In my case, I also prepared myself physically. I knew that HRT was going to radically alter my body chemistry and cause significant physical changes, so I prepared for it as I would have for a military deployment. I lost all the weight I could, cleaned up my diet and began a rigorous muscle-toning (not muscle building) exercise regimen.

It has all paid off well and I am very happy with my results (mental and physical) so far.

[Julia_in_Pa]

Nicola,

That is purely a personal journey and no two time frames are the same.
First you should see a therapist if you haven't already done so.
Once the therapist deems the necessary self analysis sufficient he or she should then issue a letter dictating HRT to a physician.
Again the time frame for this is up to many deciding factors.

Welcome to the forum Nicola.


Julia

[Kaitlyn Michele]

Where do you live? How are you paying for it? Those two questions will drive the timing alot.

In any case, you find a doctor willing to prescribe hormones. You do this by finding a therapist that has guided people through this... Assuming HRT is right for you, it can happen very quickly.
If you are in a good mental place, and know what you want , you can get a recommendation in only a couple of therapy sessions..if you popped out of bed yesterday and decided to start HRT, a therapist may challenge you or even judge you based on what you tell them..if you are not honest , it will fall on you in the end..

HRT is a surprising experience and its not right for everyone..

[Sandra]

Hi Nicola

I see from your introduction thread that you are in London, I assume that is London UK? If so then this thread may help.

http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?131324-Questions-amp-Issues-for-NHS-United-Kingdom-Members

[Rianna Humble]

Hi Nicola, a couple of people have mentioned the NHS sticky thread and you will certainly find a lot of useful information in there.

If you are planning to go the NHS route, Johanna is right that you start with your GP who refers you for psychiatric screening to ensure that you do not have any mental health needs that could affect the treatment of your Gender Identity Disorder or to ensure that any you do have are taken into account whilst treating the GID.

If you don't already have a regular GP, may I suggest choosing one you can feel comfortable with and sticking with them for the follow-ups as well?

The time-scale from there to your first appointment at the "Charing Cross" Gender Identity Clinic in Fulham is slightly variable but please remember that when someone in the NHS promises to do something "straight away" that usually means "in about 2 months time" :angry:

Once you have had your first appointment, I would recommend telling the receptionist that you are willing to take a cancellation for your next appointment - that can save months of waiting if it comes up.

The 2nd appointment is with a different doctor to confirm the assessment of your needs. This is usually when they will start to discuss the hormone regime and what it will mean in practical terms.

It is up to you whether you decide to start the RLE before or after your first visit. They will ask you when you started, but it is a good idea to have some things to back that up (e.g. a copy of your deed poll, a pay slip etc.).

Julia was right to point out that this is an intensely personal journey and no two people's experiences will be exactly the same. In the same way, you don't have to adopt a "standard" TS narrative, just tell the doctors how your dysphoria has played out in your life and what effects it has had on you.

Please don't forget that we are here to support you :hugs:

[Jessinthesprings]

The timeline is set by you. No one can get you to do something you are not ready for. As far as a doctor goes I suggest you find a support group in your area or people here who can recomend someone for you. Then call and make an appointment. A therapist may not be a bad idea either.