Hormone treatment question

[GQjoey]

Alright. So I gotta question about getting started on hormones. I've "legally" lived as a male since age 16, I'm now 23. At 14 I was somewhat forced to have a pyschological(sp) test done, along with blood work. Which is when I was diagnosed with GID. I started seeing a therapist at 14 for my then unknown issues. That's when the term transgendered surfaced. I had a GREAT relationship with that therapist, unfortunately I moved away.

Started seeing another guy, who wasn't very knowledgable at all about tg issues, and frankly I wasn't comfortable with him. At 17 I met a therapist who specialized in GID. She was super cool, we met a total of maybe 7-10 times. A lot of the talk was centered around my parents split that was going on then (divorce after 25 years). I admit I was a little depressed about it all, who wouldn't be, but I was never clinically depressed. She gave me my letter of referal or whatever they call it to see endocologist. She said she was giving me the OK to start  hormones, but because of my age wanted me to have this "ring of people around me when I started", even though I was mad about that, I guess it was before of my age.

I had insurance at this time, through my mothers work. Met with the endo 3 times. He took blood work again, told me my levels of testosterone already were very high. And when I DID start, was goign to recommend a higher dosage than usual. I thought things were about to take off, until he wanted me to go to the UofM Human Sexuality hospital (where they did my tests when I was 14) to get set up with a normal doctor as well. My insurance got cut off soon after this, and the appts were way too spendy. So that ended that.

I focused on getting my GED, and worked for the next couple years. I moved out to SanFran. And got stuck back here in Minnesota over the holidays. Plan on returning to SanFran hopefully soon.

My question is. Now that I'm 23, do you think my chances are better that I can just get prescribed the hormones after a couple visits? Being I'm back in town where the therapist originally wrote the letter for ok, I want to call her up and see if I can come in and see her again.

Also, money is tight. And I have no insurance. Any guys have good experience asking for fixed paid visits?
Thanks.

[Dennis]

Sounds likely, but every therapist is different. Try asking her at the first visit. Your age now and the fact that you've been dealing with it for 9 years should both be strong points in your favour.

Dennis

[DLT0410]

Hi, I'm using my fiances username. I am a FTM. I have to say I haven't had as many issues getting hormone treatment. I found a doctor who perscribed testosterone on my first visit to her. She was experienced with transgender patients and with my letter she had no problem perscribing the drug. I also had to pay out of pocket for my visit. I don't recall the pricing. I would just say to keep trying to find a doctor in this field or call around more to find out if they are comfotable with a transgender patients. I think with your letter you should be able to get hormones on your first visit. Good luck.

[Andrew]

If your testosterone levels were already very high, are you sure you're not intersexed?

[GQjoey]

Considering the doctor also did a "physical" during that visit, I don't think so? I'd think he would of let me in on that little secret lol.

[Christo]

er....um..depends on the therapist bro.  your age's a big plus though.  I had to wait almost six months for my prescription.