How to start testosterone (easy steps)/cost of testosterone

[Quinnfong]

probably a common question but wanted to ask anyway. I came out pretty recently as ftm trans and i want to know if anyone has a simple "how to start testosterone in 10 easy steps" sort of thing. like, "first come out, next talk to a therapist" etc. i also want to know the costs for T, preferably gel. i'm going to ask alot of questions so forgive my uninformativeness (fancy word for non-smartness)

[aleon515]

Unless you have really excellent insurance you don't want to take androgel. It's pretty darn expensive (i have heard ranges of $200-400/month). I am on the T-cream, which is the compounded cream. I have heard prices ranges from $25-up per month. A jar costs me $80 and used to last two months (now will last a whole lot longer). Injectable T is much cheaper.

Well everybody is different. It is typical to need to go to a therapist first, but there is something called informed consent where they tell you the risks of T and have you sign a statement that you know what you are getting into. This is common in parts of the US. But going to a therapist is not a bad idea. I don't like the whole gatekeeper thing.

Different people can prescribe T. But it's usually a endocrinologist or a general practice doctor. In some areas (like red states) people go to Planned Parenthood. (Do not under any condition knock on the door of one of those. Makes people very nervous. This from someone who used to work at one.) Sometimes you have a rather long wait to get seen (1-3 months).

Ask away on other questions.

--Jay

[Quinnfong]

how old do you have to be to get informed consent? if i had my parent sign it as well would it work?
how do you get T through a therapist? i've heard of people having to wait 3+ years before their therapist allows them T and I will not tolerate that. I want it as soon as possible, meaning 1-2 visits to the therapist. any more is a waste of time.
and generally any more info on informed consent would be great.
also, how much do puberty blockers cost?
and (sry bout this) can i just walk into an endo's place and ask for T? will that work?

[aleon515]

how old do you have to be to get informed consent? if i had my parent sign it as well would it work?
how do you get T through a therapist? i've heard of people having to wait 3+ years before their therapist allows them T and I will not tolerate that. I want it as soon as possible, meaning 1-2 visits to the therapist. any more is a waste of time.
and generally any more info on informed consent would be great.
also, how much do puberty blockers cost?
and (sry bout this) can i just walk into an endo's place and ask for T? will that work?

We can't discuss your age as it is against forum policies but in general I am pretty much sure that informed consent implies that the person is of legal age (whatever that might be in your state-- generally between 18-21). A parent can't sign someone else's consent.

I am pretty sure that someone who is younger needs to go to a therapist because most doctors are edgy about law suits and the like. The therapist does not ever prescribe T (unless she/he is a psychiatrist). You don't need a shrink, a social worker or mental health counselor works nicely. I doubt someone young will get it with 1-2 visits but 6 months seems reasonable, if there are no other issues. Puberty blockers are very pricey and are usually only if the family has good insurance. It is possible that it is on the insurance, as this is considered something that they would do. It stops development and the period (after awhile). We've had guys on here who took them, so I don't know if anyone is reading this now though.

Essentially the therapist diagnoses you with gender dysphoria and you go into an endo basically with a letter saying you are sane and that they feel that you can take T. I pretty much did just what you said. I said, "I'm trans". Funny thing, the doctor said "I know". I thought it might be very hard but she is easy to talk with.

Hope this helps.

--Jay

[BrotherBen]

So you're saying testosterone should cost less than ~$20/month, Jay? Am I taking the wrong kind or something (Cypionate)? I just paid $115 for a supply the pharmacist said would only last about 6 weeks. Maybe he's just bad at math, IDK.

[LordKAT]

Injectable T can be had for low as $60 for about a 5.5 month supply, without insurance.

[spacerace]

vial at stroheckers (a compound pharmacy that ships all over the U.S. - your doctor calls in the script and they mail it to you) is ~ $70 with shipping and supplies - the vial should last 5~ months, and they include 20 needles to inject, 20 needles to draw, syringes and even alcohol swabs at no extra cost. No insurance needed for this price.

My doctor said that walgreens would charge me over $100 for a very tiny vial that would last a month. No supplies included of course.

[BrotherBen]

Wow, I've always known that CVS was a ripoff but I assumed that Walmart would be on the cheaper end for this, like they are for every other scrip I've had. Thanks guys! At those rates, it's not even worth appealing to my insurance co to try and get them to cover it, as their own mail-in pharm has a $50 minimum for all drugs anyway, and that's for a 90-day supply.

[Kreuzfidel]

probably a common question but wanted to ask anyway. I came out pretty recently as ftm trans and i want to know if anyone has a simple "how to start testosterone in 10 easy steps" sort of thing. like, "first come out, next talk to a therapist" etc. i also want to know the costs for T, preferably gel. i'm going to ask alot of questions so forgive my uninformativeness (fancy word for non-smartness)

My "ten steps" would be (and they aren't easy):

1.  Research and introspect.  You need to be 100% sure that this is not a phase in your life, especially if you are young - so researching as you can about ->-bleeped-<-/transsexualism/androgyny/etc. is the best starting place.  I would suggest starting a journal and exploring your feelings.  "Getting on T" should never be the first step and if you're rushing to this ultimate goal without being a) educated and b) 100% certain of your convictions, then you're not very bright IMHO and you are potentially permanently altering your body and potentially risking your health haphazardly.  Be smart and take the time to read and talk to other people who feel the same as you do.

2.  Speak to a doctor.  I would recommend this as the next step, once you are certain that transitioning is something that could help you.  It's trickier with young people - I do see the benefit in therapy with this.  Your doctor may recommend that you see a therapist or he may do informed consent.  Either way, a good starting place.

3.  See your therapist if your doctor recommended one.  Whether it's a therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, etc. - it needn't be a "gender specialist" like I hear so many people talk about.  Someone who is preferably at least a bit knowledgeable about gender issues is a good thing - but open-minded professionals who aren't "gender specialists" do exist and they are willing to help.  You just sometimes have to find them - and you may have a string of crap therapists before you find the one who will listen.

I worry, honestly, about the statement that you made:

how do you get T through a therapist? i've heard of people having to wait 3+ years before their therapist allows them T and I will not tolerate that. I want it as soon as possible, meaning 1-2 visits to the therapist. any more is a waste of time.

Just because you think you "want" to be on T "right now" doesn't mean that you need to be.  Going to therapy with an attitude like this is unhealthy, IMHO.  Most therapists will not make you wait 3+ years before they will help you to get on T unless you have other serious personality or mental illness issues, and even then it's unlikely you would have to wait for that long.

Hear your therapist out and if they're open-minded they'll hear you out.  If you can tell straight away that they're transphobic or just ignorant of LGBT issues then move on.

4.  If your doctor is doing conformed consent, I would take the opportunity to come out to your family and friends and offer them the chance to support you through this and perhaps even educate them and help to assuage their worries.

5.  If your doctor is prescribing T to you, then they will explain the next steps.  They are usually a) get the prescription from your doctor and b) take it to the pharmacy.  Some doctors may want to run tests before they will prescribe you T.  Don't balk, just do it. 

6.  Lose weight if you're on the heavy side.

7.  Get into the habit of eating healthy and exercising. You will be able to build muscle more easily on T, but you have to put in the effort. 

8.  Take your T responsibly and don't self-medicate - go by the dosage prescribed by your doctor and if you're unhappy with it or feel that you may need to adjust it then talk to them - don't just decide you need a larger dose or a more frequent one and then do it.  Your health is at stake.

9.  Don't have unrealistic expectations of what will happen on T.  If you followed the first step, then you should already be educated about the changes that T may induce and the general timelines of such.  Everyone's body processes T differently.  Just because some random YouTube people had changes at 3 weeks (or say they did) doesn't mean you will.  But just because you don't have changes right away doesn't mean you won't get them at all - the transformation takes time and, in fact, takes years in many cases. 

You should also be aware of the potential negative side effects such as baldness, abdominal obesity, elevated cholesterol and body hair.  I honestly cannot believe how many FTMs I've seen complaining about things like this - well, do your research and understand that the effects of T can't be picked and chosen.  You get what you get and that's that.

Don't have a breakdown if you don't have a male voice, hairy chest and raging sex drive after a week on T.  This is the silliest thing I've ever seen - so many guys think that they'll just change overnight.  Get real.

10.  Continue to take care of your body.

Regarding the price of T - you need to understand that not everyone lives in America, so YMMV when it comes to the price of T.  Where you are in the world (and even in your own country sometimes), what kind of T you are prescribed (gel, injections, etc.) and where you get it from will be deciding factors in the final price.

[aleon515]

So you're saying testosterone should cost less than ~$20/month, Jay? Am I taking the wrong kind or something (Cypionate)? I just paid $115 for a supply the pharmacist said would only last about 6 weeks. Maybe he's just bad at math, IDK.

Yes I think you are paying too much for injectable T. I am not sure the expected price. You aren't taking the wrong kind. I am not sure how much Androgel *should* cost. (I think you should not take it if it's not covered by insurance); T-cream should cost between $25-60/month (though 60 is at the high end). Compounding pharmacies are usually not covered by insurance.

--Jay

[Arch]

So you're saying testosterone should cost less than ~$20/month, Jay? Am I taking the wrong kind or something (Cypionate)? I just paid $115 for a supply the pharmacist said would only last about 6 weeks. Maybe he's just bad at math, IDK.

He might have meant six months. Don't say how big the vial is, though, because then you would be talking about dosage.

[aleon515]

Good point that might be six INJECTIONS. Not six weeks by the calendar. In which case, no it's not too much.

--Jay

[Quinnfong]

My "ten steps" would be (and they aren't easy):

1.  Research and introspect. 

2.  Speak to a doctor. 
3.  See your therapist if your doctor recommended one. 

4.  If your doctor is doing conformed consent, I would take the opportunity to come out to your family and friends and offer them the chance to support you through this and perhaps even educate them and help to assuage their worries.

5.  If your doctor is prescribing T to you, then they will explain the next steps.  They are usually a) get the prescription from your doctor and b) take it to the pharmacy.  Some doctors may want to run tests before they will prescribe you T.  Don't balk, just do it. 

6.  Lose weight if you're on the heavy side.

7.  Get into the habit of eating healthy and exercising. You will be able to build muscle more easily on T, but you have to put in the effort. 

8.  Take your T responsibly and don't self-medicate - go by the dosage prescribed by your doctor and if you're unhappy with it or feel that you may need to adjust it then talk to them - don't just decide you need a larger dose or a more frequent one and then do it.  Your health is at stake.

9.  Don't have unrealistic expectations of what will happen on T.

You should also be aware of the potential negative side effects such as baldness, abdominal obesity, elevated cholesterol and body hair.  I honestly cannot believe how many FTMs I've seen complaining about things like this - well, do your research and understand that the effects of T can't be picked and chosen.  You get what you get and that's that.

Don't have a breakdown if you don't have a male voice, hairy chest and raging sex drive after a week on T.  This is the silliest thing I've ever seen - so many guys think that they'll just change overnight.  Get real.

10.  Continue to take cae of your body.

Regarding the price of T - you need to understand that not everyone lives in America, so YMMV when it comes to the price of T.  Where you are in the world (and even in your own country sometimes), what kind of T you are prescribed (gel, injections, etc.) and where you get it from will be deciding factors in the final price.

Thank you very much! I have researched (although i don't keep a journal), i did talk to my doctor, and i have come out to my family. I'm sorry to have worried u about my earlier statment, my eagerness for T is only due to dysphoria about puberty; i'll try to change that before my first therapist appointment (which is soon). I am actually on the light side (concerning weight) and i do excercise moderatley well. also, and hope i don't have too many unrealistic hopes of T 

[Quinnfong]

We can't discuss your age as it is against forum policies but in general I am pretty much sure that informed consent implies that the person is of legal age (whatever that might be in your state-- generally between 18-21). A parent can't sign someone else's consent.

I am pretty sure that someone who is younger needs to go to a therapist because most doctors are edgy about law suits and the like. The therapist does not ever prescribe T (unless she/he is a psychiatrist). You don't need a shrink, a social worker or mental health counselor works nicely. I doubt someone young will get it with 1-2 visits but 6 months seems reasonable, if there are no other issues. Puberty blockers are very pricey and are usually only if the family has good insurance. It is possible that it is on the insurance, as this is considered something that they would do. It stops development and the period (after awhile). We've had guys on here who took them, so I don't know if anyone is reading this now though.

Essentially the therapist diagnoses you with gender dysphoria and you go into an endo basically with a letter saying you are sane and that they feel that you can take T. I pretty much did just what you said. I said, "I'm trans". Funny thing, the doctor said "I know". I thought it might be very hard but she is easy to talk with.

Hope this helps.

--Jay

thanks! just more questions, 1. so i can't be underaged to do conformed consent? 2. is it very likley that i could get it before 6 months? 3. should i be looking for a phyciatrist instead of a therapist or does it matter; in terms of T approval?

[aleon515]

thanks! just more questions, 1. so i can't be underaged to do conformed consent? 2. is it very likley that i could get it before 6 months? 3. should i be looking for a phyciatrist instead of a therapist or does it matter; in terms of T approval?

1. No because I believe that "informed consent" implies something legal, that one is of the legal age to make decisions for oneself. That can happen in rare occasions, say someone is an emancipated minor. (Not usually allowed except in unusual cases).

2. I don't know. Depends on the therapist.

3. No, a psychiatrist is usually more expensive. You want to go to one who knows about gender. So I am thinking there are fewer psychiatrists anyway.
Look in the therapy section (health issues or somethign on susan's). Also this page is good but rather old. It's an old list and there aren't therapists from different areas. You can also post a question re: who to see in a certain area?
http://www.lauras-playground.com/gender_therapists.htm

--Jay

[Quinnfong]

this may be completley off base but, wouldn't it be better to get a therapist who knows nothing about gender so it's easier to "fool" them into giving them me T because they know nothing about what i really need and will just go on my word?

i know this is completley unethical and probably wrong anyway but just out of curiosity.

[wheat thins are delicious]

this may be completley off base but, wouldn't it be better to get a therapist who knows nothing about gender so it's easier to "fool" them into giving them me T because they know nothing about what i really need and will just go on my word?

i know this is completley unethical and probably wrong anyway but just out of curiosity.

That's a horrible idea.  Anyway, at your age, one who knows nothing about gender likely won't touch you with a ten foot pole.  It's a lot more complicated for minors. 

[BrotherBen]

Um, where exactly does the "fooling" come in? Why would you need to be untruthful?

I only went for 3 appointments before going to get my pre-T bloodwork done, but I'd spend over a year considering and reflecting on my own first, and I think they would probably want to wait longer if you are under 18 just to be extra certain.

[aleon515]

this may be completley off base but, wouldn't it be better to get a therapist who knows nothing about gender so it's easier to "fool" them into giving them me T because they know nothing about what i really need and will just go on my word?

i know this is completley unethical and probably wrong anyway but just out of curiosity.

Well it's pretty unlikely someone knowing NOTHING about gender is going to want to prescribe T!! They would think it was radical and uncalled for. They'd want you to come to terms with "being a woman". Perhaps they'd think you didn't want to grow up or you had family or even mental problems. These are more likely possibilities. I read them here in susan's. Yes occasionally a very smart therapist gets it. I'd say it's rare. But a smart one will also see a game going on, so they would catch that.

Someone mentioned fooling, and you said that obviously you wouldn't do this but talk about it being unethical. I'm not sure what you mean here. But it is unlikely to work at all.

Yes you are NOT going to get it immediately. Nothing at all worthwhile happens immediately anyway. You can decide to get something out of the experience or not.



--Jay

[Quinnfong]

yeah. u guys r right. that probably wouldn't work anyway.  but whatever, gave it a shot!