Getting Started on HRT

[Eccentric Moe]

Hey folks,

I am finally able to begin my transition from F to M.   

However, I keep getting asked when I will start hormones and I don't know what to tell my friends and family definitively (other than asap!)   Now, I've researched the effects of hormones and watched SO MANY youtube videos over the years with trans guys documenting the timelines for their changes so that isn't what I am asking about here.

What I am wondering about is what sort of process to expect before I can actually start hormones.

I am in the process of getting my assessment from a therapist.  So in about a month in theory I will start seeing an endocrinologist.  I am assuming I don't just walk in the door and get injected with hormones XD

What sort of screening processes did you have to go through?  How long was it after your first HRT consultation before you were actually able to start hormones?

I know the decision of when and how to start hormone therapy is different for each person.  But I think some input here will help me know what to expect.

Thanks!

[Jamie D]

Hey there Moe, thanks for signing up and joining in the discussion.  It never stops!

You will want to establish a good rapport with your therapist and physicians.  They will want to do some baseline blood chemistry studies to check for things like existing hormone levels, liver function, etc.

My understanding of the new Standards of Care, to be issued later this Spring, you as the patient will have more input into the decision-making process for your eventual HRT regime.

BTW, for new members it is important to be aware of the posting rules:

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,2.0.html

[Eccentric Moe]

Thanks for the info.  I am not looking for dosage information or anything.  Just wondering what kind of pre screening and testing people faced before they began HRT.  I am curious because my sister had to get her estrogen levels tested and it ended up taking a month for her to get results.  I think it was some screw up on their side, but... It made me wonder how long to expect pre-HRT stuff to take.  One month, or 2?  More, less?  I really don't know.  People keep asking for a timeline and I really have no idea what to tell them despite how much I've read on HRT.  (I think this is what happens when you're surrounded by too many type A personalities)  XD

[Jamie D]

I get my blood work through Quest Diagnostics - rarely more than 3 days for normal panels