FTM testosterone curiousity

[Lysander DuFraine]

Hi Im a female to male pre everything.. I live within torquay which is basically the south west of the u.k, Ive wanted to make the change for so long but when it seems that I am emotionally and mentally ready that I really don't know all too much about how to do everything..the worst part is that I Have to see a psychiatrist and councilor before it can be allowed to be done..and to be honest with the amount of bs that's happened through my life it seems unlikely that they6 would allow me to begin taking testosterone, I was curious is there another way that I would be able to di it..say via buying what i need online?

[Kelly J. P.]

 Buying what you need online is an option. However, unless you do blood tests (and know how to read them), then just blindly taking Testosterone is a wee bit dangerous.

If you go the self-medication route, I would recommend you find dosage information from several reliable sources, make sure your supplier is reliable, and make sure that you can do blood tests. Unless you can do all of these things, you will be recklessly and needlessly putting yourself at risk.

I will say, however, that if a councillor and psychiatrist are unlikely to allow you to have Testosterone, then you might want to take their reasons to heart. Perhaps the reason they might not let you is quite valid - or perhaps they would allow you on Testosterone, but having not tried to see them, you wouldn't know.

Be safe with yourself.

[Adio]

No, buying online should not be an option.  Not only can it be dangerous, it can also be illegal.

From Susan's TOS:

8. The discussion of hormone replacement therapy(HRT) and it's medications are permitted, with the following limitations:

    A. Advocating for or against a specific medication or combinations of medications for personal gain is strictly prohibited.
    B. Discussing the means to acquire HRT medications without a prescription, and self medication without a doctors care is prohibited.
    C. Discussing dosages is strongly discouraged to prevent information obtained on this site from being used to self medicate.


We can not in good conscience condone the self administering of these medications. Not only may self medication be illegal, but HRT medications can cause serious health problems, and many have the potential for life-threatening side effects that can only be detected and prevented with proper medical supervision.

I don't know exactly how the system in the UK works.  There are plenty of guys from there though that can give you better advice.

[Sarah Louise]

The policy at Susan's is against Self Medication.  We can not and will not give suggestions on how to obtain HRT without a  Doctor's Prescription.

[Lee]

There are doctors who will let you sign a waver and skip the therapy, but they can be hard to find.  A therapist who denies hormones because of other "b.s." isn't doing their job.  If someone gives you that reasoning you can always look for someone new.

[Ayden]

Believe me, at one point I was at the verge of doing just that. I was so close to DIY hormones, but I stuck with my therapist and got a good doctor. I am glad I went that way. Even though I was 110% sure of my identity, it was great to take those baby steps. I learned a lot about myself. While you can go around the system, I can't recommend it. T can be pretty dangerous if injected wrong/at wrong dosage/if you have certain medical conditions, etc. I had to wait 5 months to get my letter (in the U.S.) and while it seemed like an eternity when I started therapy, it actually flew by. When I got my letter and my first shot, I couldn't believe where the time had gone. There are processes for a reason. Transitioning requires serious thought and consideration, and isn't something that should be done on a whim, because it isn't as easy as just having the T and needles. That being said, make sure you get a good therapist, and they should take care of you. I am sure that some of the U.K. guys 'round here can answer any questions you have about the process.

Whatever you decide to do, be careful.

[Darrin Scott]

It doesn't always take months or years to get a letter. It really does depend on the therapist. If you're able, I'd research therapists. I found one by googling LGBT therapists in my area and he was great and open to the idea of being trans* and encouraged me to be myself and was willing to write a letter. I'd just be patient and search around.