1st Dr visit questions

[Jennagirl]

I have a Dr appointment Friday for a physical and I am going to discuss with her my gender identity dysphoria and ask her about HRT plans.

What questions should I ask? Are there any questions that I should stay away from?

[AshleyP]

I have a Dr appointment Friday for a physical and I am going to discuss with her my gender identity dysphoria and ask her about HRT plans.

What questions should I ask? Are there any questions that I should stay away from?

I took a little bit different approach. I'd already been to a therapist, once. During the initial session, I indicated my desire for HT and posed the question, I guess if I'm going to go for HT, I would really need to tell my doctor, right?"

In preparation for my next doctor's appointment, I printed out a copy of the VA transgender treatment guidelines. During the appointment, I told him that I'd "been talking" to a gender therapist, and she said I needed to talk to you about starting HT. It was stretching it a little, I know, but almost predictably, he said, "I don't much about that." I pulled out the guidelines and said, "Here's the Veteran's Administration transgender treatment guidelines. It covers diagnosis, treatment options, lab work and follow up care. Everything you need to know." I'd practiced that line. He took it and kept it. I don't know whether it's part of my file, but I know he read it.

By the time I had another follow up appointment, I'd gotten the therapist recommendation letter and was off to the races.

Your doctor may be more familiar with treatment options, and I don't know your goals. I wanted to lay the groundwork to start HT, so I tried to come across as informed and determined. If your goal is to have a open discussion as to whether you have dysphoria or to what extent, you'll probably use a quite different approach. fwiw, I tried to think of questions that could be out of bounds and couldn't come up with any. Let us know how it goes!

All the best,
--AshleyP

[Jennagirl]

I have had one session with a therapist and yes, I want to start HRT. A lot of times I go to an appointment or something similar and ask questions and get answers only to be driving home or thinking about the conversation and think of questions I should have asked after its too late.

When I have discussions about things I am not 100% familiar with I try to prepare as much as possible. That is why I am asking anyone who has been down this path for things I should be asking (or telling) my Dr.

I am not expecting to come out of this appointment with prescriptions as much as I want to lay the ground work for what is yet to come.

Thanks everyone

[Kendra]

Hi Jenna,

A General Practitioner can prescribe hormone therapy but will probably refer you to a specialist - an Endocrinologist.  I am not sure if your GP will be able to provide a WPATH referral letter for HRT - that might need to be provided by your therapist unless you go to an Informed Consent clinic. 

My GP has great ratings and experience, has worked in their field many years and has taught at a top medical school.  And yet I am his first transgender patient.  I don't see that as a problem as I had already lined up an endo with a good reputation (first appointment two weeks from now).  The main thing is making sure my GP knows all about this.  At my annual checkup last month he said "see you next year" - and then stopped, smiled and said "you will probably be very different a year from now."

[Dani]

What questions should I ask?

This really all depends on what you intend to do.

Are you still questioning your condition or have you made a firm commitment to transition?
Do you have a HRT recommendation letter from your counselor?
Do you have a preferred method of administration (injection, patches or tablets)? 
Have you thought about Testosterone blockers?

Are there any questions that I should stay away from?

Be direct and to the point. Don't waste your doctor's time by asking rhetorical questions. Tell your doctor what you need to do in no uncertain terms.

When I first saw my Endocrinologist, I gave him the therapists HRT recommendation letter and we briefly discussed my condition and my preferred methods of administration and with some baseline lab work done, I had my prescriptions. Next appointment in 90 days.

[Jennagirl]

Dani, thanks for the great advice.

I am really upset. prior to my Dr appointment tomorrow I had to get routine bloodwork done for cholestoral etc and I got a call from my Dr that some of the tests for liver function are off. I now need to get an ultrasound and see what that shws. I had planned on discussing HRT but as overall health is more important, I will not bring it up.

I am really sad!

[Myranda]

I have had one session with a therapist and yes, I want to start HRT. A lot of times I go to an appointment or something similar and ask questions and get answers only to be driving home or thinking about the conversation and think of questions I should have asked after its too late.

When I have discussions about things I am not 100% familiar with I try to prepare as much as possible. That is why I am asking anyone who has been down this path for things I should be asking (or telling) my Dr.

I am not expecting to come out of this appointment with prescriptions as much as I want to lay the ground work for what is yet to come.

Thanks everyone

Does your Doctor have an online portal where you can send them messages?

[Kendra]

Jenna, you might actually be quite ok on the topic of HRT.  Depending on your particular lab results, you might end up with a different delivery method for HRT.  I don't think you should change your plans at all.  Your doctor(s) can potentially find the best solution to fit your individual requirements. 

[Jennagirl]

Soooo, I went to my appointment today and they feel pretty confident that it is an anomaly and I have to test again in a month.

I did discuss HRT with her and she was really supportive but doesn't have any experience with hormone therapy. She did recommend the Mazzoni Center in Philly to get started and normalized and then she wants me to work with her after that. It was actually a nice conversation and I am glad I listened to all of you! 

[Kendra]

Jenna this is great news!  I am so glad you brought this up with your doctor today. 

Several Susan's members have had excellent results at Mazzoni.  You are fortunate to have that type of resource in your local area.