How do you tell a doctor (GP) you are trans?

[CallMeKatie]

I'm in the process of getting a new GP as I'm out of my old GPS area now and I wish to make an appointment with them to ask then to send me to a specialist.
But when I eventually get in that room with them just what or earth do I say?  Hi, I'm trans help me?
Haha joking but what did people who have been to the doctors actually say?

[Megan.]

Pretty much this!

When I separated from my Ex, I registered with a new GP. I had already been referred to the GIC, and was in the long queue.
I made an appointment with one of the non-locum GPs, and just said "I'm trans, and may be going to transition...".the slightly funny response i got was" you're old! ", as the GP already had three under 16's at school transitioning [emoji5].

Good luck! X

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[Katie Jade]

Hi
Same for me, Just sat down, he asked what he could do for me and I said I was trans and would like some help transitioning. He said  "Wow ok, haven't done this for a while". I then highlighted I was under counselling and such like. That's it. No real issue there except what's in your head. I had mentally prepared myself first of course.
Same as first time I picked up Hormones prescription (Week and a half ago), the Chemist asked to see me and asked what I was using these for, and I just said  "I'm Transgender and my consultant  and psychologist agree with me so I'm using these to help me transition". He said "OK" and that was that.
Plain speaking is best often but be careful, only in a safe environment of course.
Hugz
Katie

[Doreen]

Hi
Same for me, Just sat down, he asked what he could do for me and I said I was trans and would like some help transitioning. He said  "Wow ok, haven't done this for a while". I then highlighted I was under counselling and such like. That's it. No real issue there except what's in your head. I had mentally prepared myself first of course.
Same as first time I picked up Hormones prescription (Week and a half ago), the Chemist asked to see me and asked what I was using these for, and I just said  "I'm Transgender and my consultant  and psychologist agree with me so I'm using these to help me transition". He said "OK" and that was that.
Plain speaking is best often but be careful, only in a safe environment of course.
Hugz
Katie

Those are great ways of approaching it.  I just tell them I don't produce enough estrogen .. Coincidentally being post op produces some 'leverage'... Doesn't get eyebrows raised, and its also true   I won't go into the whole being intersexed thing because it confuses the crap out of most people.

[Devlyn]

I'm in the process of getting a new GP as I'm out of my old GPS area now and I wish to make an appointment with them to ask then to send me to a specialist.
But when I eventually get in that room with them just what or earth do I say?  Hi, I'm trans help me?
Haha joking but what did people who have been to the doctors actually say?

If you know that you're transgender and you're pursuing transition and HRT, it really is as simple as saying "I'm transgender."

If you're questioning and seeking a therapist's help, they will need to take a slightly different approach with you. The two words "I'm transgender" are still enough for any medical provider to get you started. Good luck!

Hugs, Devlyn

[Shambles]

I did this 2 weeks ago. Just be honest and dont joke about it.. he didnt ask me any questions just said when im ready hell refer me to the gender clinics. I said is that it and he replyied yeah.

Rarther than trans just say gender dysphoria. If there proffesional theyll point you in the right direction. The only reason i didnt get reffered right there and then was i asked him to hold off while im sorting things out with wife.

Dont be affriad of the conversation like i was youll feel so much better when u walk out.

Good luck

Jo x

[CallMeKatie]

Thank you to all

I've been looking online at my local doctors and the only one that will accept patients has been rated 1.4/5 in over  90 reviews
I know my niece went there for her teen acne and they laughed at her and told her not to eat chocolate  (which she never does as she's allergic)
The idea of telling them I am transgnder is horrifying

[TK9NY]

I've been looking online at my local doctors and the only one that will accept patients has been rated 1.4/5 in over  90 reviews
I know my niece went there for her teen acne and they laughed at her and told her not to eat chocolate  (which she never does as she's allergic)
The idea of telling them I am transgnder is horrifying

Try looking slightly out of your immediate area. It's nice to have a GP that's nearby, but i would certainly travel to get to one that treats me respectfully and has decent service. Especially if i'm going to be discussing dysphoria with them. I would not go to one who laughs at any patient for any reason (literally or otherwise) nor would i go to one that dismisses any medical concern (even acne) in that sort of manner.

As far as telling your GP, i've had the same one since i "graduated" from pediatrics. So i've known her since i was 18ish. I trust her and she's very respectful. It was relatively easy to say "hey, i'm transgender, where do i go from here" - way easier than talking to my parents about it. Sometimes that's all you have to do - be open and honest. A good doctor won't even blink, and will do whatever they can to help you find a therapist, endocrinologist, etc etc.

If you have an LGBT community near you, you might be able to contact them and ask them if they recommend any GPs in your area.

[Megan.]

It may not be as practical, but you're entitled to register with any GP in the UK. Some friendly ones can be found here:

https://transfigurations.org.uk/trans-friendly-doctors

The GMC website has information and guidance for GPs on the treatment pathway, make sure you're informed,  as they might not be!

Good luck. X

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[kaitylynn]

The way that worked best for me was to just do it.  I think my doctor thought I was gay, he was right...but in the wrong way   I went in after some very weird and intense weight loss and he asked if I was on HRT because my blood work came back very "off".  I told him honestly, no.  Checkup went ok and when he asked me if there was anything else I wanted to talk with him about, I blurted it out.  He set my appointment with my endo right then and there.

Your GP is bound by ethical rules that allow your conversation to carry an expectation of privacy.  You can confide and know that it will stay between you and thinking on it, it is probably a good thing for your doctor to know anyway!

[CallMeKatie]

It may not be as practical, but you're entitled to register with any GP in the UK. Some friendly ones can be found here:

https://transfigurations.org.uk/trans-friendly-doctors

The GMC website has information and guidance for GPs on the treatment pathway, make sure you're informed,  as they might not be!

Good luck. X

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HI Megan,  I justdid some research and any UK GP can strike you from theit list If you are outside their "catchment area" which apparently I am. So it looks like I am stuck with a joke of a doctor's who laughs at patients...great :/

[KathyLauren]

For me, it was complicated by the fact that I had never met my GP before.  She wanted to do the full intake interview, but I just sat down and said, "Hi, I'm <legal name> and I am pretty sure I am transgender.  I'd like a referral to a psychologist."  I could tell it was the first time she had heard that!

I would have skipped the GP altogether and self-referred to the psychologist, but I needed the referral letter so that my insurance would cover it.  I had actually already self-referred to the mental health unit in the public system and had a psychologist's appointment already scheduled, but it was so far in the future, that I wanted to go private to speed things up, hence the need for insurance coverage.

I got my referral letter and then she covered the intake interview stuff. 

[Sharon Anne McC]

*
Nothing has changed in 40 years.

I scheduled an appointment with a new physician.  I told intake that I needed a general physical.  At the appointment, I told the doctor (nervously) that I am enrolled in transsexual  transition and need his verification that I meet health standards to begin hormones.

I got my exam done and my referrals to both the county health department and to an internist to prescribe hormones.

It was quick and easy.  Watching the calendar for my future appointments was all that kept me waiting.

It seems scary til you do it, then you wonder why you've waited once you finish.

*

[krobinson103]

I went to the doc, told him what I wanted to do. We went through the risks, he took some blood, had hrt a week later. It was that easy.

[Megan.]

HI Megan,  I justdid some research and any UK GP can strike you from theit list If you are outside their "catchment area" which apparently I am. So it looks like I am stuck with a joke of a doctor's who laughs at patients...great :/

Oh no,  sorry to hear that. You can always use the 'stick' approach, remind them of their duty of care,  the prescribed GMC pathway, and that you're entitled to report them to the GMC for unprofessional conduct.
Most GPs centres also have patient liason teams who might give your voice more volume.
Hospitals have PALs (Patient Liason officers) who can also assist (I've previously raised complaints to the CX GIC PALs team), but I'm not sure if GPs have an equivalent.
Know your rights and let them know you expect good quality,  professional and respectful treatment. X

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[AnneK]

HI Megan,  I justdid some research and any UK GP can strike you from theit list If you are outside their "catchment area" which apparently I am. So it looks like I am stuck with a joke of a doctor's who laughs at patients...great :/

In another thread, I mentioned an online gender clinic that's in the UK.  Perhaps they can help.
gendergp.co.uk

[sarah1972]

I do not really tell. They see the list of medications I am taking and the way I look / dress and that should be enough. I know I will have to once I get closer to surgery. If they would ask: sure I tell.

However that may be different in the UK since I do not need my GP until I need a health check for surgery...I think in the UK they have to write a referral much earlier in the process.

I ended up asking the doctors office I go to for a different doctor. My usual one just has no bedside manners and there are a bunch of negative reviews about him so I know I am not the only one. I originally asked him if he would be willing to do HRT and he just gave me a real nasty look. That was pretty much it for me. I have only been back since to get travel vaccinations and since I am full time I just went as Sarah. No hiding, nothing. Only thing was that they gave me special advice on long air travel due to the estrogen. No other questions asked. I am due for my physical in a few weeks, let's see how that goes.
Their patient portal allows entering a preferred name which I did. Let's see how that works out.
The good thing is that my OBGYN is now on the same portal, so technically they can see each other's comments, and right there it says: "full-time transgender women".... I also know if they would treat me even the slightest stupid, I would raise the issue with their office manager and they would never see me again.