HRT in North Michigan - Where?

[Kamyu]

Hi all,

So I figured I'd post and ask if anyone knows any endos, obgyn, doctors, etc that are able and willing to work with transgender patients in regards to HRT in Michigan. Specifically NW Michigan. Though I would settle for anywhere north of Grand Rapids east or west including UP. I'm set to begin but keep getting the dreaded no when calling around to see if they do HRT for trans patients.

Also, does anyone do their HRT through UofM? If I cant find anyone else, I am probably going to have to go that route. My question with them would be is it possible to do just HRT through them. And do you have to visit them or can you work through your local GP for blood tests, dosage change, etc while UofM reviews the results remotely from the GP. I ask because UofM is a really long drive, made especially worse in winter.

Thank you,

~Kamyu

[robin s]

welcome to life in the middle of no where. I got a hold of a therapist on the transgendered Michigan website. According to her there aren't many therapists in this part of the state that have much experience dealing with it and not a whole lot in the state. I am sure part of the reason is that most forms of insurance in michigan don't cover anything dealing with gender identity issues.

[Kamyu]

I'm actually seeing a therapist in my home city and insurance does cover my visits which is nice. At this point in time, it's HRT I'm trying to start. My therapist is more than happy to refer or write me a letter for it. Just a matter of finding a doctor willing.

[robin s]

I actually found a doctor that will. Try the quick cares in the area.

[Kamyu]

I actually did try the quick care in my home town but they told me no because they were not experienced with trans HRT. Not sure where there are any others in the area. Will have to look. I only know of two in northern michigan. Most places I called were willing to monitor if I was already on HRT, but none were willing to start HRT.

What did you ask when you called your quick care? I basically asked if they do or can do HRT for transgender patients. Any tips would be appreciated or leads.

~Kamyu

[Newgirl Dani]

Hi Kamyu, you might try this:  Is also advertised as an 'Informed Consent' Dr.

Dr. Mark Sikorski
Dofarmbrooke family Medicine
48924 Hayes Rd.
Macomb, MI 98044
(586) 566-8270

Hope this works for you.    Dani

[Kamyu]

I'm actually trying to find someone a bit closer. However that one is a possibility if I can't find anyone else. At this point, unless I find someone else, it's a choice of UofM, That doctor, or wait 7 months for the endo here unless something early opens up. I'm going to continue calling around. I think there's a couple doctors in Grand Rapids that will do Trans HRT. Will have to check into them. Sadly northern michigan is pretty sparse on doctors. Easier to find a therapist than it is to find a HRT doctor.

[LivingTheDream]

That would be a super long drive, going from the UP to UofM!

I have been going thru the UofM program, haven't started hrt yet tho, soon I hope *crosses fingers*. I copied this from their site, maybe it will help you?:

What if I've already started transitioning? If you are already in transition (that is, you've been evaluated and/or treated in another mental health or medical facility), we can work with your current providers to assist you in moving forward. In that case, we'll do the standard telephone enrollment; determine your needs and how we can help.

I believe there are some in Lansing that will do it as well, that is a bit closer to you I think.

Anyways, here is the UofM site in case you need it. I'd say give them a call and find out. http://www.uofmhealth.org/medical-services/transgender-services 

[Kamyu]

I have an appt this week. I'll bring it up to them and see if it's possible to do just HRT through them. What I'd hope is that I could work through my GP for blood tests, prescription, etc and UofM could be consulted for the results and adjustments without having to drive down there.

~Kamyu

[LivingTheDream]

You have an apt in Ann Arbor this week?? I gotta go there 2x this week..Good luck with everything.

[Kamyu]

No, I have an appt with my local doctor this week. Sorry for the confusion.

~Kamyu