Transition Tips

[robertwantsabeard]

I want to transition as soon as possible. I turn 18 in a year and I'd like to know if anyone knows if there is any paperwork/etc I need to do now to start testosterone on my eighteenth birthday. It would mean a lot to me if anyone can help. My psychologist advised me to do independent research or join a forum.

[Dena]

Welcome to Susan's Place. If you are going to see an Endo, the odds are the Endo will request a letter from your therapist so you will want to find  the doctor that will be treating you and ask abut the requirements. If you are going with informed consent, they will talk with you before setting you up for testosterone. Letters will be required latter as well for surgery and you  will most likely need more than one for each procedure. Letters are one of the primary  reasons why at least some contact needs to be maintained with a therapist.

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[Dani]

Since you already mentioned your psychologist, I must ask, is he or she well versed in gender issues?

If he or she is familiar with gender issues, they can write a letter for Hormone Replacement Therapy. Take this letter to an Endocrinologist or other physician who will prescribe the proper hormones for you.

Some gender therapists sponsor a face to face support group. There might be one in your area. An internet search will help you find one oriented for young people.

As for internet forums, Susan's Place is very good. We have lots of information here and you can use the search engine to look for topics already discussed.

One more thing:

Since you are under 18, are you still living with your parents? Do your parents know what your feelings are? Are they or will they be supportive?

Do you have financial issues? Are you independent or do you rely on someone else for physical support?

Nobody here at Susan's Place wants to see anyone get hurt by rushing into transition if they are not ready. So be careful.

[robertwantsabeard]

I do not see an endo, only a general practitioner and a psychologist. My psychologist is more well versed in autism than anything else, that's mainly what I see her for. I have my parents' consent to attend a support group, but they overall would not consent to letting me start testosterone. I live with them, and plan on moving out on my eighteenth birthday with more accepting relatives, ie my mother who lives in another state. She has a stable job and is willing to financially support me. Due to my mental state, I cannot do basic things such as clean/drive/etc.