Starting HRT

[Kylie4]

I have made the decision that it is time for me to start looking at HRT options. My wife is on board as well and we both agree that transition will be best for me. I have contacted a therapist but do not have an appointment yet. What steps do I take. Who actually prescribes them? I would prefer not to use my family doctor as of right now. Just looking for advice on where to begin. Thanks

[jentay1367]

Your therapist will write a letter for you to present to an endocrinologist after a period (they will most likely have a Dr. they deal with if your therapist is someone who traditionally deals with Trans patients) and will then put you on a regimen that meets with your general health and ultimate goals. That's pretty much all there is to it.

[tgirlamc]

Hi Kylie!!!

The therapist should be able to direct you to some local doctors when the time comes.... Planned Parenthood also often offer Trans health services

Take Care
Ashley :)

[Anne2345]

There are many steps to complete and much work to be done in going from Point A to Point Z on the transition path. And much can change and will change throughout the process. In regard to the therapist you contacted, does he or she have experience with trans clients? Ideally, you should see a qualified therapist who has experience working with trans clients. Even if that means having to travel farther than more accessible and convenient, but inexperienced, local therapists. Therapists are a dime a dozen, but a really good, experienced, knowledgable therapist is worth their weight in gold. Especially in regard to trans issues. Also, if you are able to attend any local transgender support group meetings out in the real world, I cannot recommend doing so highly enough. Even if you have to travel a ways to do so. Meeting real life, honest to goodness real deal transfolk out in real life situations offers and provides invaluable, game changing, necessary experiences.

[RylieM]

You dont actually need a letter depending on where you live but I do strongly recommended a therapist I have yet to start hrt i'm working though a informed consent clinic here in massachusetts because there's almost 0 resources at least near me that can help other than this clinic. Even without hrt this has been a rollercoaster for me over the past 8 months and without my therapist I doubt id of made it this far.

[Kylie4]

The therapist I contact is experienced in gender issues according to her website. I live in South Georgia and will be traveling to north Florida for a therapist. I'm glad that most therapist refer to an endo they work with as I prefer not have a doctor in my home town right now. Thanks for all the help!

[LeaP]

+1 on the therapist comments.

The changes you are talking about are about the most profound possible. Conversely (and paradoxically) they are also small and subtle in many ways. I can sum it up as winding up being the same - but different, and you cannot predict how much of either, or in which areas of your life they will fall, including emotions, attachments, attitudes, priorities, or anything else for that matter.

Also, be aware that gender issues ( for lack of a better word) manifest for lots of psychological reasons. I'm not questioning your feelings or authenticity. But be aware that a good therapist will spend some time looking into this.