Does an HRT recommendation expire?

[WholeNewDrew]

I got my HRT letter about three years ago and decided not to transition or start on HRT because I was still in high school and transition would've been more than I could handle. I'm in a position now to pursue it and have every intent to, regardless of what I have to do. I haven't been to therapy since, so I don't know what exactly I need to do. Will I have to go back and take another round of therapy? Or can I just waltz over to the nearest clinic and get my life started?

Thanks everyone!

I should add, I currently live in Iowa. I would imagine the laws are different around the country.

[Dena]

I suspect the clinic will call the doctor and the doctor will respond "who?". Give the clinic a call but I suspect you will need to return for some followup therapy and a new letter.

[Ms Grace]

Most of these things (referrals, etc) have a one year expiry date hanging over them. Just ring them and ask.

[Rachel]

If you live in am informed consent state (if in the USA). Schedule an intake with a HRT clinic and ask them when you schedule about the letter and time lapse. If you do not live in an informed consent state then call before you go.

I have one letter for surgeries (non gcs) and am trying to get another. I see them tomorrow for my trans care and med review and I will inquire again (saw them 2 week ago). I was told by my therapist there is a 1 year expiration date on the letters unless there is a scheduling issue or you are in progress.

[sam1234]

Go to your original therapist and have him write you another letter. Your reasons for not transitioning were not because you couldn't decide, but rather because the situation you were in was not a good time to start. I doubt you will have a problem getting another letter.

sam1234

[AnonyMs]

Personally I'd just go your clinic and ask if they will accept it. That's all that really matters.

In many countries the requirement to have a letter is determined entirely by the doctor who'll be prescribing the HRT, so the details of what they will accept are up to them. That's certainly the case where I live, and the doctor can if they want prescribe without letters at all.

[WholeNewDrew]

Well this turned out about as well as it could have. Through some searching, I found another user, MiaSakura, that went to Iowa City, the nearest likely option for me and got HRT through a Dr. Nisley. I called the office to see if I needed an updated letter and was told that she doesn't even require one! I've reached out to Mia to thank her, but she hasn't been active in about a year, it appears. Thanks for the help everyone!