Waiting forever for T

[Menoimagination]

My doctors in charge of all the gender stuff had me waste about two years before they finally put me on hormone blockers, only for me to have to wait another year before they will let me even discuss T with them. Is this usual? Is it really going to take forever? They seem to think I am going to change my mind and that is why they won't put me on Testosterone. But surely they have seen that I'm not going to change my mind. These hormone blockers seem useless, I am pretty sure that since I started puberty about seven years ago they are not going to stop any further changes because I'm pretty sure all my doctors have wasted enough time not listening to me and all the pubertal changes have finished now. It hasn't even stopped the monthly apocyalpse(yet, apparently it will... I really hope it does.)
I just really want to be able to go through the correct puberty before I look even more conspicuous in my age group than I already do.

[ridleysw]

Not sure where you are located, but it definitely sounds like they are not up-to-date on the most recent studies.  If you've already gone through puberty, it is my understanding that the hormone blockers are moot IF you are on T.  The reason trans guys only take T and not E-blockers is because the T does everything necessary, whereas MtFs take E and the T-blocker.  It sounds like they may be taking the overly-cautious route.  If you are in a well-populated area, look for other doctors who are not so conservative* with their treatment style.  If they are the only options for doctors in year vicinity, you can try printing off the recent studies (such as the one mentioned in the article at http://www.advocate.com/politics/transgender/2015/02/01/study-transgender-kids-are-not-confused-about-their-gender-identitie ) to have them read.  The treatment standards for trans kids AND adults have changed a LOT in recent years.  Sometimes, doctor's aren't up-to-date on their research and they need prompting.  Sometimes, just demonstrating that you are really competent and knowledgeable in the area is enough to prove to doctors that you are serious.  Sad that we have to prove our seriousness, yes... but it's turned around treatment plans for me when doctors were initially resistant.

Good luck!  Never stop being your own advocate! 

*I really do mean conservative in their treatment style - not a comment on their politics!

[Menoimagination]

Thank you for the information.
It's just... I was referred to them because they are (meant to be)specialists in this... It's really disheartening(and expensive and I can't afford it) to travel to the other side of the country so often and still be no closer to medically transitioning.

[ridleysw]

Sometimes, specialists are not always the best.  My hormone doctor happens to be "just" a primary care doctor, but she (who is a trans woman) treats the largest number of trans folks in my area, and has such a long history doing it that she is extremely knowledgeable.  Sounds like you will have better luck finding someone who is closer by.  Other trans people in your area may have suggestions on who would be a good resource!

[DeanJulian]

Yeah, hormone blockers seem pretty pointless if you've already gone through puberty.