Starting HRT

xAmy · July 20, 2016, 04:11:06 PM

Hey, I want to start HRT but I don't really know the best and possibly fastest way to start.
I've been to my gp and been referred to a gender identity clinic in London and had blood tests. Do I have to wait for this to start HRT? As the earliest appointment is in 12 months. I appreciate any advice thanks c:

Megan. · July 20, 2016, 04:53:46 PM

If your GP is supportive, there is guidance for them to offer bridging HRT before the GIC, but few GPs are actually prepared to do this, the Transfigurations website may help you find one. Also consider that unless you are clearly living full-time in role before your GIC appointment there will be at minimum 2 appointments with them about 6 months apart before they would consider HRT, so 18-24 months is more likely. Budget allowing, there are the private options of GenderCare as a full private GIC service, or GenderGP who will do HRT as a private service.

roseyfox · July 20, 2016, 07:12:24 PM

In my opinion i just go to a doctor that practices informed consent but that may not be a option in London.

xAmy · July 20, 2016, 07:24:40 PM

Ok thanks for the comments. I'm not living full time atm but I'd like to start soon I guess il have to wait :p

Ms Grace · July 21, 2016, 03:50:43 AM

You could ask to be put on a cancellation list, that might get you in quicker than 12 months.

JS UK · July 21, 2016, 06:22:10 AM

I'd definitely recommend GenderGP. They provide an online service which doesn't cost the earth. You'll have what you need within a month or so, albeit at a small cost. Your GP may help with blood tests to keep your costs down if she or he is supportive.

Julie x

xAmy · July 21, 2016, 11:48:52 AM

Quote from: JS UK on July 21, 2016, 06:22:10 AM
I'd definitely recommend GenderGP. They provide an online service which doesn't cost the earth. You'll have what you need within a month or so, albeit at a small cost. Your GP may help with blood tests to keep your costs down if she or he is supportive.

Julie x

Thanks for the idea I looked at site and it looks really good ^^
Did you use it? I got some questions :p

Megan. · July 21, 2016, 12:42:35 PM

I've been using GenderGP for the last couple of months. Very happy with the service.

xAmy · July 21, 2016, 01:29:14 PM

Ooo what kind of stuff have they helped you with?
And how do you usually contact them? ^^

Megan. · July 21, 2016, 01:48:45 PM

Contact is typically all done via email, except for the therapist evaluation which was done over the phone. I had to provide blood test results for an initial baseline, but my GP (who is aware of my condition) was happy to do these for me. When they were happy they organised a private prescription to Clearchemist, then you just order online (in my case just E for a low dose trial) and it arrives in the post, simples! You pay GenderGP a monthly fee (£30) for the ongoing service and support.

xAmy · July 21, 2016, 03:27:02 PM

Oh that sounds great I hope my gp will be supportive, il have to see someone new as mine is on maternity leave :p
Thanks for your help this has been really useful

Megan. · July 21, 2016, 04:34:47 PM

Good luck. I will add, I only took this step after alot of consideration and therapy with an experienced person to work though my gender issues and understand the impact of such a choice, both physically and mentally.

xAmy · July 21, 2016, 04:57:56 PM

I've seen 2 councillors before but when it came to gender issues they had no idea really and weren't much help, how did you find the right person?
Everyone seems to add gender issues to what they specialise in but it seems to be more to just find work lol. Is there an easier way to find a specialist?

Megan. · July 21, 2016, 05:22:16 PM

I was lucky to find a psychosexual therapist near me who already had trans experience, they are not a gender specialist, but have very patiently helped me work through my thoughts. There is www.pinktherapy.com, www.corst.org.uk or otherwise its Google...

JS UK · July 22, 2016, 06:17:29 AM

Hi xWill,

MJ has pretty much outlined the service to you. I can only really add that it was a bit quicker for me because I had already had the psychiatric assessment done and they were able to accept it.

If you're going to your GOP surgery I'd recommend you try and find a GP (if you have a choice) who is younger rather than older because I reckon they will be more understanding.

My GP is a younger woman and she is absolutely tremendous. I've spent a lot of time just talking to her about all of these issues.

If you need any more info please just ask.

Juliex

xAmy · July 22, 2016, 04:19:37 PM

Quote from: JS UK on July 22, 2016, 06:17:29 AM
Hi xWill,

MJ has pretty much outlined the service to you. I can only really add that it was a bit quicker for me because I had already had the psychiatric assessment done and they were able to accept it.

If you're going to your GOP surgery I'd recommend you try and find a GP (if you have a choice) who is younger rather than older because I reckon they will be more understanding.

My GP is a younger woman and she is absolutely tremendous. I've spent a lot of time just talking to her about all of these issues.

If you need any more info please just ask.

Juliex

Yeah the gp I had was a younger woman aswell and she was really nice, it's a shame she's away atm. She was the only person in my gp surgery I've spoke to about it and it seems kind of scary to ask a new person about these things when I'm not sure myself what I'm asking. Also everyone is much older at the surgery and all male which makes me less comfortable

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Starting HRT