speeding up the process of getting hormones in the uk

[virtualverny]

hello!
i've been out as trans for over three years, but i'm only just starting the process of getting hormones/hormone blockers. i want to get everything done AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, because i'm very impatient and the thought of knowing that i'm in arm's reach of a deep voice and a broad chest and a snail trail is driving me mad
i know i'll need a psychiatric evaluation, and somebody told me this will last a year. but i've already been evaluated by professionals before, and it is on my medical records that i identify as a trans male and have done for years. i'm also getting my gender marker changed and my name has legally changed too. as a result of these factors would it be possible for me to speed up the process of my evaluation? i have access to the documents regarding my gender and can show them to the person orchestrating everything.
this would only speed up my hormone blockers, however, and i'd like to speed up my t as well. if i'm older than 16, is it compulsory to be on the blockers for a year, or can i opt into testosterone after a few months? and will the blockers speed up my changes on t? (i've heard contrasting opinions on whether or not they do)
thanks friends

[pamelatransuk]

Hello Virtualverny

I am going the other way and also do not wish to wait years for the NHS system.

Consequently I and several other members of Susan's are registered with the private service GenderGP. They provide free advice, their admin is really helpful and if you register, they provide counselling and hormones thereafter. I am very happy with their service all round.

There is a thread - the latest of several - headed GenderGP 22March here on this HRT Board.

I wish you well if you choose to pursue.

Pamela

[Dena]

Blockers are used to stop your birth hormones from making additional changes. Normally they would be given had you started in your early teen. For the FTM, Testosterone is sufficient to act as a blocker so there is no need for an additional medication once you start T. I am not sure how private works but they may chose to delay T for some reason but may still provide a blocker.

[virtualverny]

@ dena: i really don't know why, but in the uk it's almost always compulsory to go on blockers for a year prior to starting your actual hormones. i don't want to do this tho, i just want to be on t RIGHT NOW, yknow? :p