health care basics

[Mai]

so, luckilly ive had a pretty strong immune system and been in fairly good health most of my life.  as such, ive really only ever gone to the doctor if there was something wrong and was usually just whatever clinic there was in the area.

im currently 25 starting hrt at the end of february.
what doctors should i find to start talking to coming up throughout my transition?

i know endocrinologist which for me would be at the gender health center im going to be getting the hrt through id assume.  so which else should i find over what time period?

[FTMax]

In my experience a lot of gender health centers/LGBT health centers will also want to be your primary care doctors so that they can better understand your overall health as you go through your transition, particularly in the first year or two of HRT. I would suggest looking through the staff listing of that clinic if possible and seeing if specialities are listed. I know at mine, there are several transgender specialists, HIV/AIDs specialists, and many more general practitioners. You may find that the place you're planning to go to is a one stop shop.

[awilliams1701]

Having just had my first endo visit, I'm glad my parents insisted that I also get a checkup by a GP. My GP found some issues and the endo said that one of them has the potential to get worse. I mentioned I'm already scheduled to get rechecked and she was glad to hear that. Tryglicerides was the trans related issue my endo brought up. She also mentioned that potassium can be a problem as well.

I actually started out looking for a female doctor because males make me uncomfortable. I'm glad I did. She makes me feel comfortable even in the awkward parts of the exam.

[ImagineKate]

Max is correct. The best arrangement is where your HRT/endo doc is your primary. Mine is and they take good care of me. Informed consent clinics here seem to operate that way. This way they don't have to consult with your primary to adjust any other meds you may be taking.

They will most likely do full blood work on you and check all your levels, check A1C for diabetes, liver level etc.

That said, a few years ago when I first visited the doctor I was shocked at my results. I felt fine except for some joint pain. My doctor said my cholesterol was way off the charts, something like 400. Now it's down to like 90 which is not too bad. So get yourself checked. You never know, and treating problems early is bette rthan dealing with later.

[ImagineKate]

I actually started out looking for a female doctor because males make me uncomfortable. I'm glad I did. She makes me feel comfortable even in the awkward parts of the exam.

My primary care NP is not just a woman, she is trans. I feel extremely comfortable and at ease with her.

I agree about a female doc though. Even if I find a cis one I would prefer a woman.