How long does it now take from starting therapy to starting HRT?

[Marissa]

I'm seeing a therapist tomorrow.  If that works out, and if she writes me a letter...  I guess I'm just trying to get a general idea of how long it's likely to be before I can start HRT.  I know it depends on the therapist, the endo, and other factors, but the SOC doesn't require 3 months anymore from what I read so I wonder what the minimum time could be.  Can the therapist write the prescription herself or does it have to be an endo? 

Just getting anxious I guess. hehehe

[KabitTarah]

I can only answer one of them... most (nearly all) therapists cannot write an HRT scrip. Very few can write any Rx at all.

I think the letter depends on many factors. I've had hints about the letter and I've asked questions, but I personally want to wait and get my life (i.e. marriage) in order first. I told her 6-12 months... but I'm thinking 6-9 (of which 6 weeks have passed, and only a month or so of therapy).

[JaneNicole2013]

It depends on, like your said, the therapist and endo. I think I was really lucky in that I found a therapist whose schedule synced up with mine (and her office was right across from mine so that helped). It was 30 days from first therapist apt to starting HRT, but I'm sure that was more unusual than the norm, and I had started therapy three years ago with someone else so I think she realized it had been an ongoing issue for me. Also, she told me that it'd be okay for me to make an endo apt after my second visit, but that she wouldn't send the letter until after my third, so I think that helped.

I guess my advice would be to make your appointments as early as possible and make sure you keep your schedule as flexible as possible.

Good luck!

[Marissa]

Thanks for the answers, ladies!

I know no one can predict how long it'll really be, but at least having some information makes  me feel better.

[TerriT]

I saw my therapist for 5 months before she approved me. I think she would have done it sooner but I had a couple bad sessions...

Then it was another 2 months since I got my scrip filled and when I started taking them. I had other domestic considerations that required approval first.

[bethany]

I saw my therapist for a year and a half before I had the letter but that was my doing. I wanted to be absolutely positive that this was the right road to take. I had to factor in some inherent health risks that I knew I would face.

[kelly_aus]

I did 4 months before I got my HRT referral.. Probably could have been sooner, but I wanted to deal with some baggage from my past before I took that step..

[Marissa]

Thanks to everyone for responding.  I really want to start but also worried about how it will affect my household.  I really don't think I can delay too long though.

[Paulagirl]

I talked to an endo on a Tues. He was rather concerned about my degree of GD. He called a therapist right from his desk phone, who scheduled me for that Friday. We spoke for about an hour and a half, in which time she decided I needed to start HRT right away. The next Monday she faxed a letter to my endo, who called me in the same day. In an hour appt. he went over the risks, expectations, and dosages of HRT, and gave me a scrip for Cyproterone Acetate, and estrogen patches. He also gave me a requisition for 28 blood tests. He said my baselines were not going to change in the next few days, so I should just get them done at my leisure. I went to the pharmacy on my way home, and left there with my new life in a paper bag!
So it took me from Tues. noon of one week, till Mon. 6 p.m. of the next. 6 days.
Granted, my GD was getting the better of me, and any attempt to present male was causing me to get physically sick, and presenting female 24/7 at least brought me to a barely functional level, so, yes, I was fast tracked.

[Marissa]

Wow, that is fast, Paula.  Sorry to hear about your GD but glad you got to start so fast.  Hope all is going well now!

[Beth Andrea]

I got my letter in a month, after 4 sessions (one a week).

[TaoRaven]

I am skipping the therapist. Found a GP that advocates Informed Consent. Only problem is I have to drive to greater Denver, but I'll take an hour drive over "gatekeepers" any day.

[kelly_aus]

I am skipping the therapist. Found a GP that advocates Informed Consent. Only problem is I have to drive to greater Denver, but I'll take an hour drive over "gatekeepers" any day.

The only gatekeeper involved was me, I delayed starting HRT because I wanted to deal with some past baggage - am I glad I did, it's made life as a woman so much easier.. Not all therapists are gatekeepes, and frankly, it seems that most of the stories about those come from the US..

You don't want therapy? Fine, your choice, but is it really a positive thing for anyone for you to post such anti-therapt comments so frequently? Like I said, youd on't want it? Don't have it, but it's an individuals choice to make.

[TaoRaven]

The only gatekeeper involved was me, I delayed starting HRT because I wanted to deal with some past baggage - am I glad I did, it's made life as a woman so much easier.. Not all therapists are gatekeepes, and frankly, it seems that most of the stories about those come from the US..

You don't want therapy? Fine, your choice, but is it really a positive thing for anyone for you to post such anti-therapt comments so frequently? Like I said, youd on't want it? Don't have it, but it's an individuals choice to make.

yep. it is. and I chose not to. My post was relevant to the OP's question. I am sorry that it offended you somehow, but you DO have the choice to ignore my posts if they bother you. Enjoy the rest of your day.

[Rachel]

I did my intake at Mazzoni in Philadelphia and could have started in 3 months but had to cancel and reschedule so 6 months. They are so booked it takes 3 months for an appointment. I also am seeing a therapist associated with Mazzoni.

[FrancisAnn]

It just depends on the therapist. Some are sincere to help & some just want to drag things out for their hourly fee to talk. If the therapist moves too slow find another asap. After the recommendation letter then you can receive the scrip from your endo physician for proper HRT after your blood tests, etc.....

Good luck.

[Marissa]

I'm back from the therapist. She says a letter shouldn't be a problem but she doesn't think an endo will prescribe HRT if I can't show that my diabetes and MS are under good control. *gulp*

Also medical related, I haven't had a single cigarette today.  Using e-cigs to help quit.

[KabitTarah]

I told my therapist my plans for it today... I'm waiting at least 6 months, but interested in AA now. He gave me some names for an Endo and GPs who can prescribe HRT meds and suggested I make an appointment.

[Antonia J]

The only gatekeeper involved was me, I delayed starting HRT because I wanted to deal with some past baggage - am I glad I did, it's made life as a woman so much easier.. Not all therapists are gatekeepes, and frankly, it seems that most of the stories about those come from the US..
I
You don't want therapy? Fine, your choice, but is it really a positive thing for anyone for you to post such anti-therapt comments so frequently? Like I said, youd on't want it? Don't have it, but it's an individuals choice to make.

I agree with Kelly and the approach she took 100% as it is the same approach I took also. I had so much personal baggage to deal with that had I started HRT without first addressing it, I am not sure I would be mentally strong enough to deal with the challenges presented by physically changing my body and dealing with the impact it has at work and other relationships. Having dealt with an end of a marriage, family issues and a need for stabilizing my finances, I can now embark on my physical transition. I am a lot stronger and able to deal with a new set of challenges as a result.  I could not have dealt with this all at once.  As it was, I thought about suicide. Not anymore.  I am in a better place, and have less to focus on.  My therapist was instrumental in helping me all along the way.