not 100% sure where to start

[demanorio]

I'm looking to start really transitioning around the beginning of the new year, and I've done some research in the past ... year and a half / two years, but I have a few questions for those of you who are actually going through it.

I've heard that if you're on testosterone for too long with your uterus and ovaries in tact, there's a risk for cancer and sometimes, doctors will induce a period one week to get things back in order.  I'd like to avoid that if at all possible, so

How long after starting testosterone is a good idea to get all the lowers removed?  and
Would insurance cover any of it?  If not, about how much (ballpark) might it cost?

I know there's a procedure to undergo before starting testosterone treatment, including some blood work and pelvic exams *shudder*, but

How many blood tests should be done?  I know that hormone levels fluxuate throughout the course of each month, so will multiple blood samples be taken to account for that, and how long do results usually take to come in?
Basically, I want to take my first shot of T near the beginning of the year, so should I start going through the pre-process now or should I chill my jets and just wait until November or December?

And one last question, just out of curiosity's sake, how long did it take (those of you who've already been on T) to start noticing changes in voice, facial hair, things like that?  I've heard it'll take about 3 to 4 months to start noticing the change.


thanks in advance
Zachary

[mikke]

Risk of cancer- I've heard that there can be an increased risk, and I've heard that there isn't. It's really a matter of opinion at this point because there aren't enough people on T to have done long-term research to that effect. I've never heard of a doctor inducing a period once you've lost it due to T.
Some guys never get hystos, others prefer to get them right away. Usually they tend to get them when problems, develop, like PCOS or cysts, or they start bleeding again. Insurance might cover it, depending on if you're still listed as female on their papers and if you have a "true" (in their eyes) medical problem like PCOS that requires a hysto. They're quite pricey, it can run up to 30k sometimes.

Blood work, yes...usually you have that done before you start T to make sure your cholesterol and hormone levels are normal. You get them checked again every few months. Some doctors require a pelvic, others don't. It may depend on the type of doctor you see.

Usually, your doctor takes blood at trough levels (just before you inject) to get your lowest levels. So no, you don't have to get multiple blood tests done in a month. The results don't take more than a few days really.

Changes were gradual. My voice changed quite quickly- within the first month, family and friends no longer recognized my voice on the phone. Facial hair is slowly starting to come in now, and I'm at 4 months.

[Ron]

Lane pretty much covered your questions, but just a word of advice from someone who believed they would be on T by the beginning of this year (2007) and will be lucky to be there by the beginning of next: Don't expect things to go really quickly. Some things that have held me back are my parents' reaction to my coming out, my laziness of actually sending my intro letter etc to the gender clinic here (I don't know what the requirements are for you, but I had to send them a referral AND a self written letter explaining how gender dysphoria has affected my friendships, relationships etc), then when I did finally get an appointment with the director there, I saw her in August, had an initial appointment with an endo in September, am seeing a second psychiatrist this week, but not the director again until November and I have no idea when the endo again. Things are very, very slow. The first question I'd be tempted to ask you is, are you even seeing a gender qualified psychiatrist who is willing to give you approval for T? Then, are you seeing a doctor who is willing to prescribe T? All these things must come before you even start thinking about T.

Sorry if I misinterpreted your post and you already have a psychiatrist/doctor, I just thought I'd better throw in my experience with how god damn slow everything is and how patient you have to be to get anywhere.

Oh and welcome to Susan's, I hope you enjoy your stay.

[demanorio]

Firstly, thank you both for your input.

Ron, thank you for telling me - there's always something people forget to mention.  I have not yet talked to the doctor at the TG clinic, but I will set up an appointment to do so before my group meeting tomorrow night, and I'll also ask the guys there.  From what the guys have said thus far, it's basically blood work, a pelvic exam, a session or two with the psychiatrist there, and a consultation with the doctor before they can make the decision to let me go on T or not.  The psychiatrist would most likely be willing to give me approval for T, and with the doctor's approval, they would be able to prescribe it to me and administer the injection.

My goal would be to start T at the beginning of the year, but it's mostly just anxiety that I want to start some kind of transition, be it therapy or whatever they require.  I'm willing to wait, but I'm just hoping for the best.