What to say to my GP

[Billiejosehine]

So I recently scheduled an appt. with my GP and would like to bring up that I'm a TS, but I'm not sure how to approach this subject or what to say. What are some important things to remember, do I need to request certain test, or referrals to other doctors? I had recently spoken with a therapist who is looking into writing a letter of recommendation for HRT, should I bring that up or that I have tried self medicating a whole back? I would like to walk out of the office with a prescription if possible.

Note: so in the doctors office there are several different doctors and I won't actually be seeing my primary doctor in my next appt. I have seen my primary doctor only twice in the last couple of years. And the doctor I will be seeing on my next appt. , I have seen four times in the last couple if years.

[rachael.davis]

the truth is a good start, it sounds glib but I have an amazing relationship with my DO since I decided to let him know what was going on.

[JohnH]

I started HRT by self medicating myself. My primary physician confronted me about my body changes. And then I admitted to her that I have been self-medicating.

She referred me to an endocrinologist. The endocrinologist asked me about my relation with my wife, and he was satisfied the M2F HRT would not damage my marriage. He then prescribed the medication.

I did not need any letter from a gender therapist to legitimise my regimen. And this HRT was one of the very best things I have done in a very long time. My wife has told me she really prefers me being on HRT. My only regret is I did not go on HRT sooner.

Johanna

[Billiejosehine]

It has taken me a long time to get to this point to begin my transition and get beyond denial. When I did self medicate it was 8 years ago, I wish I took action sooner. But at least I'm finally taking action, even though things seem a bit scary. Because I don't know what to expect. As far as getting on HRT, is an endo the only person who can prescribe it or can my GP as well?

[JohnH]

I have read a general practitioner (GP) can prescribe HRT medication. However my GP did not feel comfortable prescribing the medication so she referred me to an endocrinologist. It all depends on the GP.

Johanna

[celeste26]

My GP was the same way, she refused to prescribe the estradiol and preferred I go to an endo for it. The endo refused without a letter from a counselor so there I sit waiting.

[Billiejosehine]

Celeste long have you been waiting or have to wait? It has taken me this long to decide to start and if I have to do anymore waiting, would drive me nuts.

Would it be better them to get a referral for an endo doctor?

[Angela Campbell]

I would not even mention it to the GP until I was actually transitioning. Your Dr may change anyway and many GP's do not know enough to administer hrt to a transsexual. Any DR can write a prescription, but not many will. At this point it is none of the GP's business.

I would work with the therapist and get the letter and then get the therapist to help me find a Dr in the area who has worked with this in their practice, and then contact them. I chose the Dr in my area who has worked with transsexuals the longest.

[Ann Louise]

In my opinion dear coming out to your GP is good practice for the wide-open outing that you're going to need to do if you indeed do follow through on the path you're contemplating. Whether he or she is critical or not, the reception you get from a practicing professional will be somewhat tempered compared to others in the world that you'll need to deal with later on. I suggest you broach the topic with your physician in as mature and professional a manner as that with which you expect to be treated. I'm a proponent of using an endocrinologist who has specific experience in working with our community. Yes, GPs may or may not be qualified, but the depth of training and experience of an endo is likely to be matched only be the most exceptional of GPs. Employ and retain the best professionals you can find and afford. Good luck honey, this will likely be the hardest thing you've undertaken in your life. Ann

[Lilo]

There should be lots of doctors with experience where you live, I would seek them. I was referred to my Dr by my therapist as someone with lots of experience. I made an appointment specifically to talk about this. When I met, she discussed EVERYTHING I had read on my own research and she mentioned having worked with over 100 TS people. She is a GP. I actually did not have a GP before her. It is great that I now can discuss any issue openly with her related to this or anything else. I since had to change therapists and in my first session he confirmed that he refers everyone to her. Yes, some GP can take care of this.

[LeaP]

I agree with Angela. There is no reason to even bring this up right now. The first logical time to bring it up is when you have your recommendation letter. And then you can decide whether to speak to your own primary care doctor or go to someone your therapist works with.

[Billiejosehine]

I do go to a therapist and psychiatrist, who I have been seeing in the past year and a half. My current therapist I'm seeing just told me I can she them for other problems, but to find someone more qualified. I'm in the process of doing so and as a previously had posted, they are looking to get me that letter. Should I wait till I officially have my letter? I have gotten mixed responses about if should or shouldn't say something to my GP. I really would like to get things started, but I want to do it the right way.

[Dawn cd]

If your GP is your primary care physician, he/she should know about all medications you are taking as well as contact information for your endo doctor in case they need to consult. You don't need to your GP's permission to move forward. Simply keep her/him in the loop. Who knows? Your GP may have some valuable insights about your course of action. It's wise to use all the resources you have available.

[traci_k]

It also depends on your relationship with your GP. I've known mine for some 30+ years from working at the same hospital. I just asked him how much he knew about transgenders and hrt. He said not a lot but he had a TG niece. I told him of my intention to transition and he recommended to get started ASAP. He was very professional and understanding and now asks if I've started hrt because he also knows my wife's objections, but all in all seems very supportive.

[Billiejosehine]

When I was the doctors to talk about a few issues. She had me pull up my pant legs to look at my knee. At the moment I remembered my legs were shaved and I got a feeling of being scared, but I went ahead and rolled them up and the doctor was not phased by it and it felt good. At the same time I was still debating if I should say something about my GID. Well in the end I did mention something and she ordered some lab work and referred me to the best endo in Napa Valley. So my next step is to go get done lab work and call the endo.

[Lilo]

Good for you !! Sometimes its best to follow your gut and not what anyone (including me) tells you on the internet(s).

[LeaP]

I didn't mean to imply that your GP should not be told, but that there is no point to it until you had a letter. Opinions vary on this, but mine is no one's ever told unless there is a need. And yes, if you stay with your GP and go on hormones, he (or she) needs to be informed.

My GP prescribes, but she is trans and specializes in treating trans people.

[Rachel Smith]

I
I would work with the therapist and get the letter and then get the therapist to help me find a Dr in the area who has worked with this in their practice, and then contact them. I chose the Dr in my area who has worked with transsexuals the longest.

Exactly the route I took.

[TrishaMarie]

I have read horror stories about coming out to your doctor and living in the Midwest I worry what to expect. Is there a place to find quality providers in a given area that are cd friendly?

[Angela Campbell]

If you are a crossdresser I can't think of a reason to tell your GP, unless you live full time. In which case they likely have already figured it out.

[chrissyjessicadewet]

I told my Gp a few years ago and she was ok with it. In my opinion it matters that they know. If they dont know it will be like a pilot not knowing what course to take. Mostly they are in the care GIVING industry. If they dont care for you. They are then not for you. Count your stars. There is only two . TWO clinics in south africa that does SRS.
People will surprise you when you give them half a chance. What you give is what you get. If you give uncertainty, you get uncertainty.
I figured if i dont think too much on my feeling about a thing, then its easier to just deal with the fears. Remember fear is just not knowing. Research and find out who does do Ts referels in your area.
I remember asking my therapist if she knew about Ts. She said no, but is willing to learn to be better care giver for me.

[Billiejosehine]

I got an apt scheduled this conning Wed with the endo, so I'm looking forward to seeing what happens.

[I Am Paula]

A trans girl, specially one who has dabbled in self medding, as you have mentioned in other posts, should tell their GP everything. Transition is a medical process, as well as mental, and spiritual.