UK / NHS - Getting Hormones with a high BMI ?

[Takoto]

Hello everyone! I have a quick question, and some background.

* Can someone with a high BMI (30~35) still be given hormones on the NHS?
* If no/not, are allowances ever made for people who're on prior medication which include weight gain/increased apatite/the reason for weight gain is somewhat out of the individuals control?

I have my first endocrinologist appointment in a week; I saw my GP today to do a check up on things relating to a physical disability I have- she took my height/weight and told me I had a high BMI (32), and I need to start losing weight/eating healthier/exercising more (within the limits of my disability).

The endocrinologist I'm seeing has a record for giving hormones on first or second appointments- early on compared to a lot of others. So I'm remaining optimistic that I might be getting on testosterone within the next handful of weeks (though trying not to get my hopes up!).

[Rejennyrated]

Well the worry is that with higher overall levels of sex steroids your risk of thrombosis may be raised... but yes you can. My own BMI is not dis-similar and I've been on HRT for 35 years without ill effect. (and no that isnt a misprint I did say THIRTY FIVE years.)

However because fat contains aromatase, the problem you will encounter is that T will not work as effectively if your BMI is high, because the aromatase will tend to estrogenise it.

[Takoto]

Well the worry is that with higher overall levels of sex steroids your risk of thrombosis may be raised... but yes you can. My own BMI is not dis-similar and I've been on HRT for 35 years without ill effect. (and no that isnt a misprint I did say THIRTY FIVE years.)

However because fat contains aromatase, the problem you will encounter is that T will not work as effectively if your BMI is high, because the aromatase will tend to estrogenise it.

Thanks for the response!
Ahh I see, I understand. I do plan on losing weight over this summer, and generally being healthier (I was thinking of joining a Gym but it's a bit too expensive where I live), so hopefully by the time I start HRT I'll be at a lower BMI, and being on HRT will give me more energy to exercise even more. It'll take me a while to lose weight though so I was wondering if maybe being a heavier person, it'd get in the way of HRT when I start.

[Garry]

Wish I was 30.. mine was 37 when I got on T so yes. Doesnt make any difference. My T is in a good level, higher than a lot of cis men will be. So yes it does work effectively

My only issue regarding BMI is getting approval for top surgery. I was rejected at consult due to it, still waiting on my return appointment to see if its low enough for approval. BMI is only an issue for surgery due to 1. Affecting the outcome and 2. Needing a higher level of anaesthetic which increases the risks a bit. Makes no difference with HRT at that level unless you had a really high BMI really. That level isnt even that bad..

[The_Gentleboy]

Dont think so. But having a high BMI may cause other problems and im sure if you're noticably bigger your doctor may tell you that you carry more risks.