MTF Mom who is looking into starting hormone therapy

[Sihaya]

Am very accepting of my MTF child (16yrs old). Want to help him get on hormone therapy, but not sure where to look. The endocrinologist my husband uses doesn't do therapies but our marriage counsellor does do trans therapies. Should I ask her or look out side my area (Chattanooga, TN). My husband still thinks this is a phase and will pass (but is quick to point out he had gay friends).

[invisiblemonsters]

you should get your child to a gender therapist before anything. if your marriage counselor does PROPER gender therapy, you should be fine, but if not, you need to find someone who specializes in gender therapy and transgender issues. from there, the therapist can write a letter recommending HRT and some (most) doctors won't allow someone to start hormones without a therapist letter unless they're doing informed consent. you should google to find out more information about resources in your area or trans friendly endocrinologist

[frances_larina]

Am very accepting of my MTF child (16yrs old). Want to help him get on hormone therapy, but not sure where to look. The endocrinologist my husband uses doesn't do therapies but our marriage counsellor does do trans therapies. Should I ask her or look out side my area (Chattanooga, TN). My husband still thinks this is a phase and will pass (but is quick to point out he had gay friends).

She'd probably really appreciate it if you started using, "she" and "her".   :-)

You might try contacting,

genderspectrum.org/
imatyfa.org
transfamily.org/

The first two were wonderfully supportive and good sources of resources when our daughter let us know she'd been miss-assigned at birth.  No personal experience with the third, but I've heard good things.  TYFA has a yahoo! group / listserv with members from just about every state, Gender Spectrum also has a forum for parents.

Also, there does appear to be a local group that might know who to go to (and equally important, who to avoid):
TennValleyTGsupportgrp on facebook.
Transcenders
2002 Oak Street
Chattanooga, TN 374042634
Nearest landmark: Near UTC
Phone: (423) 591-5147

[LordKAT]

A quick reminder of TOS 1 , rules about links.

[JoanneB]

you should get your child to a gender therapist before anything. if your marriage counselor does PROPER gender therapy, you should be fine, but if not, you need to find someone who specializes in gender therapy and transgender issues. from there, the therapist can write a letter recommending HRT and some (most) doctors won't allow someone to start hormones without a therapist letter unless they're doing informed consent. you should google to find out more information about resources in your area or trans friendly endocrinologist

If there isn't a gender clinic in the area look up your PFLAG chapter. They are a great resource for trans kids and their parents.

Having been to both generalist and gender therapist there is a world of difference between the two. Having been 16 once and trans I know how confusing and overwhelming feelings and the world looked back then. Today's world is far more extreme. So once again, get your child to a for real gender therapist, one that has young adult experience would be the ideal. Your local PFLAG group should have some recommendations.

[frances_larina]

A quick reminder of TOS 1 , rules about links.

My apologies, I'll work on remembering they are not allowed here.