Hey Tess
Hopefully not breaking rules here, I'm UK too, however I started self med and at a VERY low dose primarily more to see if a) low dose therapy would help my GD and b) see if i could I could reduce the ridiculous morning erections which I hate.
I'm happy to say that both worked, after a month though and already aware of the health risks, I approached my GP and blurted it out (due to reading too much online and worrying of health!) - probably in the most awkward kinda way as I started then tried to retract what I said etc (but glad I did), however she was fully understanding. She suggested that I get my bloods done (all fine) and then proceeded to refer me to a local GID centre - Charing cross.
Yep so the long wait has begun, however my GP has been supportive (although she has emphasised her concerns re selfmed) and despite not in support of the self med is willing to accommodate the blood tests to ensure I'm not causing my self harm. As I say I'm V low dose but having her support who due to my circumstances accelerated me to referral to CHX, it has been a positive outcome.
As others have said before, the UK does provide a good GID treatment but there is a wait for it. The 12 month average is better than going alone or nothing at all. I certainly do not condone selfmed purely to jump the system as I was lucky that my GP was so supportive and doubt you'll get anything quicker unless you can affird to pay thousands to go private.
It is not always the case that a GP will be supportive of self med, in fact very rarely, as you are taking a risk with your life and many friends have mentioned that their GPs deny the tests after the initial one so as not to encourage this behavior.
All that aside, the NHS is supportive and will help, but it does take time. Their reason is sensible (aside from being under resourced) they want to ensure you have enough time to really consider what you are doing before starting down the road of transition and before you are likely to blurt out to family and friends etc before really understanding what transition means and potentially losing a vital support network regardless.
If you're serious which you sound that you are, stick with it and use the time to learn make-up skills, practice voice etc and plan how to either transition at work or a new job. you can also use it as a good time to build up your wardrobe etc without suddenly hitting the real life period, and be able to slip into life fulltime as you more easily.
I.ve kinda gone on for longer than I hoped, but hope what I've said is usefull.
Best wishes with it all and remember to become beautiful takes time (although you've got a great head start!!)
BW
Amy xx
