Questions to ask the Doctor

[ConfusedSarah]

Hi Everyone,

My Name is Sarah.

I am making my first visit to a GP tomorrow who treats a number of transgender patients for hormones (mostly MTF). I am going for an education Q&A style session about hormones to help make a decision about what I am going to do and what is involved in going on HRT. What sort of questions should I ask them?

I am in Australia, so any hints from fellow Aussie Tran-sisters would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Sarah.

[AnonyMs]

I'd search his name and see if you can find out anything about him. Not all doctors know what they are doing even if they do have trans patients. If you were in Sydney then Dr Hayes is the only one you'd want to see, only he's an endo not a GP.

Ask him find out what methods of HRT he can give you, pills, patches, gel, injections, implants (best). Find out what blood levels of estrogen and testosterone he is targeting. With the pills ask exactly what type they are. Some doctors prescribe some dangerous pills. Some doctors also prescribe Premarin (bad).

Ask what anti-androgens he will prescribe. Ask if he will prescribe progesterone and which type.

Do you need a letter from a psych to get HRT?

Write it down so you can look it up later.

[Cindy]

Hi Sarah and welcome to Susan's

Life in Australia is not quite as bad as AnonyMs suggests!

I'm in Adelaide. GP's are increasingly being trained to deal with transgender issues and an education program is being pushed out.

Just make sure you are fully aware of the consequences, how often will you be checked, what support services are available and do you need ongoing evaluation if you decide to have surgery.

Welcome to the site.


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[ConfusedSarah]

Thank you for the responses. I am based in Brisbane, I have been referred by my therapist. The doctor is well known in the trans community here.

[Cindy]

The Brisbane team are great. If you see Gale Bearman give her my love.