Who do I have to talk to to start HRT?

[ThaliaNyx]

Do I need to go to a gender therapist, or can I talk with my regular doctor at my next appointment?

[Mariah]

Some places will do informed consent. Hugs
Mariah

[AnonyMs]

I'd suggest posting where you are and hopefully someone can tell you in more detail what to do and who to see. I found it enormously helpful when I started, although I found the information was already there in the forums. It seems there's a lot of trans people in Sydney.

[ThaliaNyx]

I'm kinda wary about saying where I live, but... eh. Western Washington is a broad enough area.

[Nattiedoll]

I would seek the nearest physiatrist that specializes in transgender or has atleast worked with them. You can go there and they will give you the letter you need to go on hormones. It's a letter basically saying that you are sincere about transitioning and to confirm you are transgender. From there you take that letter so find the nearest endocrinologist which is a doctor that provides the hormones for you. I would start researching both doctors now.

Good luck

[KristinaM]

You could also call and ask Planned Parenthood if they offer transgender services, including hormones, and whether or not they'll do Informed Consent.  I am unsure about your state, but that's how I started out here in North Carolina.

[iKate]

Yes some places offer informed consent. The usual route is to go through a therapist and get a referral but with informed consent you bypass that.

Look for LGBT clinics in your area or as Kristin suggested, planned parenthood.

[kaitylynn]

I went to a gender therapist and then to my family doctor.  It was my doctor who gave me my referral to my Endo and they started me on HRT, no contact with my therapist.  I believe it is on a case by case basis and it would appear my case is fairly pronounced...though I never really thought so

LGBT centers can be excellent resources for information and many offer the proper therapist to get to your referral.  Well worth the effort to contact and not just for that!  Also, they can provide a list of practitioners that can prescribe you your scripts for HRT.

Something to consider as well is that you are ultimately in charge of what you want to do.  In my case, the entire process was pretty straight forward, but I have spoken with sisters that have had to insist.  In the end, their decision and choice was honored.

[Nicole Wilson]

I wish you luck and success ,  even though i am still fighting to get the ball rolling for myself   

[Ltl89]

As most above stated, usually you see a therapist for some time and then they diagnose you with gender dysphoria/gender identity disorder.  Once they do that, they will write a letter supporting you to begin hrt, if they feel this is the best for you.  rhat was how I did it.  There are other ways like informed consent, but I think seeing a therapist is helpful during all the emotional changes you experience early with hrt.

[iKate]

As most above stated, usually you see a therapist for some time and then they diagnose you with gender dysphoria/gender identity disorder.  Once they do that, they will write a letter supporting you to begin hrt, if they feel this is the best for you.  rhat was how I did it.  There are other ways like informed consent, but I think seeing a therapist is helpful during all the emotional changes you experience early with hrt.

Also even if you are doing IC, that doesn't mean you can't also see s therapist. I did both.

[Tristyn]

Do I need to go to a gender therapist, or can I talk with my regular doctor at my next appointment?

I think it depends where you live.

I live in the States, specifically Florida. In Florida, you would need to speak to a gender therapist so they can recommend you HRT under the supervision of an endocrinologist(doctor who specializes in hormone administration). There are other states out there, however, that allow you to obtain this letter from any licensed therapist, whether they specialize in any LGBT issues or not, whatsoever. This is called informed consent.

I made a very unsuccessful attempt with asking my previous therapist to do this, yet she refused by saying "But I don't really know anything about this." Truth is she really wouldn't have to know anything about the issue. I just think she didn't agree with it, personally, and that is why she avoided it. I also experienced this with a psychiatrist who's reason for turning me away was "because you focused on body, I just, no agree with it," were her exact words. But she would not have been able to do that, unless it were her specialty, because its Florida's policy anyway.

So now I am seeing a gender therapist or a therapist who works closely with transgender clients and understand all of what this entails. I think that would be your best bet. But it all depends on location, I think, and the policies that location holds in regards to this.

My only qualm now is that I do want this letter right away. But at that same time, I don't want to give my therapist the impression that I am trying to be "hard-headed" and rush into something I know nothing about, which isn't the case. On my next visit, I need to ask him when this letter will be processed. Its so many things that need to be figured out in my situation besides finding an endo. That isn't to say your situation is no less serious than mine or anyone else's for that matter.

~Nixy~

[Laura_7]

I think it depends where you live.

I live in the States, specifically Florida. In Florida, you would need to speak to a gender therapist so they can recommend you HRT under the supervision of an endocrinologist(doctor who specializes in hormone administration).


~Nixy~

You could have a look here:
http://transflorida.tumblr.com/post/51568548600/receiving-hrt-in-the-state-of-florida-and-letters

and here:
http://www.scequality.org/public/files/docs/South%20Eastern%20Trans%20Resource%20Guide.pdf"


hugs

[AnonyMs]

Also even if you are doing IC, that doesn't mean you can't also see s therapist. I did both.

I agree. Over the years I've seen two therapists and a psych entirely because I chose to, and its helped a lot. It was never a requirement to get HRT.

I've had no one else to talk to in real life and it makes a difference.

[Tristyn]

You could have a look here:
http://transflorida.tumblr.com/post/51568548600/receiving-hrt-in-the-state-of-florida-and-letters

and here:
http://www.scequality.org/public/files/docs/South%20Eastern%20Trans%20Resource%20Guide.pdf"


hugs

Thank you for those resources, Laura. =)

I currently am seeing a gender therapist. I was speaking on behalf of past, unfavorable dead end experiences I endured, like many, when searching for a gender therapist who is "the right fit."  Yes, the therapist I see now is just right. :3

But I do really want to check out the links in the second resource you provided for the name change policies here. I know a bit about it, but not to the level of absolute certainty. I am quite upset and annoyed that the only way for an FTM to go about changing his gender marker on his ID and other legal documentations to "M" or "male" would be to engage in some form of SRS/GRS. I'm thinking mastectomy. But I think that is so stupid. I think its stupid that its mandatory I get this procedure done before I am permitted to obtain the correct gender marker for all of my records in existence, at least in the state of Florida. Total, utter, maniacal bull->-bleeped-<-. 'Scuse the language...just kinda pisses me off...

~Nixy~

[Laura_7]

Thank you for those resources, Laura. =)

I currently am seeing a gender therapist. I was speaking on behalf of past, unfavorable dead end experiences I endured, like many, when searching for a gender therapist who is "the right fit."  Yes, the therapist I see now is just right. :3

But I do really want to check out the links in the second resource you provided for the name change policies here. I know a bit about it, but not to the level of absolute certainty. I am quite upset and annoyed that the only way for an FTM to go about changing his gender marker on his ID and other legal documentations to "M" or "male" would be to engage in some form of SRS/GRS. I'm thinking mastectomy. But I think that is so stupid. I think its stupid that its mandatory I get this procedure done before I am permitted to obtain the correct gender marker for all of my records in existence, at least in the state of Florida. Total, utter, maniacal bull->-bleeped-<-. 'Scuse the language...just kinda pisses me off...

~Nixy~

Many places have changed this recently so it might be an option to wait...
you might talk about this with a counselor...
maybe its possible to change some documents...
for example it might be possible to change passport or drivers license...
but not birth certificate yet...


hugs

[Tristyn]

Many places have changed this recently so it might be an option to wait...
you might talk about this with a counselor...
maybe its possible to change some documents...
for example it might be possible to change passport or drivers license...
but not birth certificate yet...


hugs

Oh, well, I don't think actually changing the name will be an issue. I was talking about something else. I was talkin' 'bout the gender marker where whatever document is identifying you has to state whether you are male or female. Which is so messed up cause many people do not even identify as either one. Yeah, I have a hard time staying on topic. I get so easily distracted. Sorry and thanks.

~Nixy~

[Ltl89]

Also even if you are doing IC, that doesn't mean you can't also see s therapist. I did both.

That's true.  I was going to do jnformed consent if my therapist made me wait forever, but she was understanding  and got the diagnosis earlier than some other therapists seem to do.  Anyway, therapy isn't really needed for everyone, but its helpful when going through all the emotional changes. And because therapy is mandated for other aspects of transitioning its helpful to find one that you can trust and frel comfortable with early on.

[ThaliaNyx]

I found several gender therapists who take my current insurance plan, as well as a Planned Parenthood center near me that offers HRT. I was wondering, though, does Planned Parenthood take health insurance? How much do they charge for HRT?

[melissa_h]

Might need to call and ask, not sure on insurance, though I believe they will offer some services based on a sliding scale.