a stupid question from a newbie...hm...

[Nina Podolskaya]

i'm sorry but how do i start actual HRT? i know i gotta talk to doctor and get permission to buy pills but what kind of doctor??

[Jamison]

A General Practitioner can prescribe hormones but many go to a specialist, an endocrinologist, either at the request of their GP or because they feel more comfortable with them. I, myself, just went to my GP.

[justmeinoz]

Depending on where you are it may vary, but either a GP or a GP's referral to an Endocrinologist is usual.

[Nina Podolskaya]

i'm at bryan texas,near houston

[Nina Podolskaya]

A General Practitioner can prescribe hormones but many go to a specialist, an endocrinologist, either at the request of their GP or because they feel more comfortable with them. I, myself, just went to my GP.

does GP write letter for SRS?

[Jamison]

does GP write letter for SRS?

If your GP follows the WPATH guidelines, they'll more than likely require you see a therapist for at least 3 months before prescribing hormones. Some doctors will prescribe them based on "informed consent" though. This is where you sign an agreement acknowledging the risks of HRT and essentially releasing the doctor from any liability. Surgeon's usually require a letter from a therapist or medical professional. I don't know any surgeon who requires a letter from a therapist specifically, but you'd have to check with the surgeon themselves to clarify.

[kathy bottoms]

Questions are only stupid when you intend them to be stupid. So ask away.

That 3 months is just about right from what everyone says.  You could start with a Genderal Practicitioner, then the Gender Therapist and from there the Endocrinologist.  Many GPs aren't familiar or trained to deal with GID and I had to fight to get the referal to a gender therapist. 

So, don't overlook LGBT resource centers because in large commuinities they often have a therapist on staff, or on retainer, but if not they can give you a list of qualified therapists.  Houston has the Transgender Foundation of America, and you should call them no matter where you finally decide to go.  And if you're close enough, visit with them.  Costs at the centers near me in California are based on ability to pay and it's usually very low, or free when necessary.  They also always accept phone calls, and will answer your questions before you even set up an appointment.   But you may need to wait a few weeks to a month for that first appointment.   I didn't use a resource center because I had Kaiser health care, but I'm a big believer in these centers.

Let us know what happens, and best wishes.

Kathy

[Catherine Sarah]

Hi SaYa,

does GP write letter for SRS?

Any surgeon following the WPATH recommendations will require at least one letter of recommendation from a certified Psychiatrist and one other from a qualified therapist/counsellor. Or two Psychiatrists.

Embrace and enjoy your journey

Huggs
Catherine

[Beth Andrea]

My GP wrote a "referral letter", but wasn't what my Endo needed...so I was referred (by my Endo) to a gender therapist, who did an actual WPATH letter. Within a few days I had an Rx and a smile which didn't wear off for a week.

[kathy bottoms]

Within a few days I had an Rx and a smile which didn't wear off for a week.

That happened with me because of a long and dangerous self med history.  It was my first HRT prescription ever from a doctor, and I couldn't put the boxes of patches down for quite a while.  The prescription changed since then, but the smile about having HRT is still with me when I get each injection.

K