Questions about how to start HRT

[sarahgorawrx3]

I want to start MTF hormone replacement therapy, how should I go about this?
What is the easiest or best way to approach this? How much will it cost in total? Will my
insurance be able to cover any of it?
Sincerely
sarahgorawrx3

[Cindy]

Hi Sarah,

Welcome to the site. Starting HRT varies from country to country and from state to state.
So first where are you?

In Australia, where I am, you have to see a therapist/psychiatrist and an endocrinologist.

In the USA you should see a therapist and then get medical referrals. My understanding is that you can buy hormones across the counter in the USA, but that is a very dangerous way to go. Wrong hormone dose, no liver; no liver, no life.

So we need some more information.

Have you read the Wiki Section? There is a lot of info there as well

Cindy

[JennX]

I want to start MTF hormone replacement therapy, how should I go about this?
What is the easiest or best way to approach this? How much will it cost in total? Will my
insurance be able to cover any of it?
Sincerely
sarahgorawrx3

1. Find a good gender therapist/psychologist.
2. You can search them on-line or from local referrals.
3. Cost? It costs a lot depending on where you live. Transitioning is very expensive. HRT is just the tip of the iceberg.
4. Insurance? Rarely does insurance cover HRT. Sometimes, if your doc is willing, they can code your meds/visits/tests as "medically necessary" so they will be covered... but in most cases, HRT is not covered by insurance. Neither is GRS.

[Gingertrap]

Like they've said seeing a gender therapist is the best method. Some people order hormones online from other countries but in the long run getting a prescription will be cheaper.

I started seeing my gender therapist in the spring of 2010.
It took about 7 or 8 months before I was seeing my endocrinologist and getting on hormones.

The general suggested time table in the US is 6 months therapy before hormones, but that is highly up to the therapist. I pay about $15-18 per month for my Spironolactone and Estradiol. It is not a huge amount, but you have to take it for the rest of your life. Just cut back on some HBO or magazine subscriptions.

My insurance does cover a small amount of the Spironolactone, but not the Estradiol. Once I legally change my name the insurance company may decide to cover it since it will make sense for someone named Abbey to need estrogen.

[Michelle.]

Abbey, how hard is it to change your gender marker in the state that you live in? That should make it easier for the ins co to cover you.

In general, though not the best, HRT meds can be had thru WalMarts $4 plan types.

[sarahgorawrx3]

Ok so I am 19 and I live in Pennsylvania. Right now I am at college, so money can be a bit tight. I have been to a therapist when I was seventeen, but we had to stop because of time and scheduling issues. Can I meet with my gp? Or should I try and talk to an endocrinologist at the local hospital/medical facility?
Sarah

[Gingertrap]

Abbey, how hard is it to change your gender marker in the state that you live in? That should make it easier for the ins co to cover you.

In general, though not the best, HRT meds can be had thru WalMarts $4 plan types.

To change the marker on your license all you need is a letter from your therapist or doctor which I already have, I was just waiting to do it until I change my name. I think it is more difficult to change it on your birth certificate but I think some endos are willing to fudge the lines a little and give you a letter stating that you have undergone an operation to change sex, even if it was just an orchi or electrolysis.

Ok so I am 19 and I live in Pennsylvania. Right now I am at college, so money can be a bit tight. I have been to a therapist when I was seventeen, but we had to stop because of time and scheduling issues. Can I meet with my gp? Or should I try and talk to an endocrinologist at the local hospital/medical facility?
Sarah

You could try talking to your gp but most doctors won't prescribe hormones without a referral letter from a therapist. At the very least they could help you find resources. Does your college have any counselors? They may be able to help you and it should be free. lastly, you could look for lgbt clinics in your area. I know there is at least one in Philadelphia that offers hormone therapy.

[Cen]

I found this in the wiki, and it is located in Philadelphia, PA >> https://www.susans.org/wiki/Mazzoni_Center >> http://mazzonicenter.org/

edit: Ah, yea, probably the one Gingertrap is talking about.