Weight and HRT

[tsubaki]

I hope this is the right place, ha.

I've been seeing my doctor for a year now (I'm AFAB non-binary, wanting T) and he's a psych that can send me to an endocrinologist for T. However, he won't. When I ask him why, he simply says "you need to be a normal weight first", even though he's not the prescribing doctor? I am NOT happy, and when I press him on the matter, I just get a comment about my weight and something along the lines of "it'll kill you".

So... I know ALL hormones have a risk of weight gain along with some other side effects I'm at higher risk of (mood swings, acne, etc). I got most of these side effects when I was taking Yaz and spiro for a health condition. So I know what to watch out for and that I'm at a higher risk of side effects. But...

Okay, so I'm 113-114kgs, 5'3" and I've lost 30kgs in the past 13-14 months but it's not good enough. I'm also working out and eating clean, so even if my weight isn't shifting, I'm still looking after my body the best I can. And I know for a FACT there are overweight AFAB trans people, their weight never stopped them from being given T. But... Is my doctor right? Does T really carry that much of a risk of death for someone my size? I can't seem to find any information online about it (other than a slightly increased risk of DVTs). I'm so frustrated.

[KarynMcD]

If you have an endo in mind, why don't you go down there for a consultation.

[Dani]

Being overweight is a no go for surgery, but unless your weight issues are endocrine related, there is no reason to not start HRT now. Keep in mind that subcutaneous fat does produce estrogens in addition to your ovaries, so now you have an additional source of estrogens to deal with.

I recommend an appointment with an endocrinologist with or without a hormone letter from your psychologist. The endocrinologist may be able to help with the weight issues first and then bring up the gender issues after your weight is under control.

You might want to get a second opinion from another gender therapist as well. For a non-binary person, your issues are not as clear cut as the typical transgender man or woman. Once you have clearly defined goals, we do what we need to in order to achieve those goals. But to say that HRT will kill you is a real stretch of the facts, unless HRT does not get you to where you need to be and the disappointment leads to an emotional disaster.

On a side note, many of us here have struggled with weight issues, myself included. Susan's Place has a section devoted to weight loss and diet. Give these sections a quick look and see if anything appeals to you.

[KathyLauren]

Hi, Tsubaki!

Welcome to Susan's.

I am sorry that your doctor seems to be setting up an artificial barrier to your treatment.  You have received some good advice above.  Seeking help elsewhere may be a good option, whether it is from another therapist or self-referring to an endocrinologist.

Please feel free to stop by the Introductions forum to tell the members about yourself.  Here is some information that we like to share with new members:

Things that you should read

Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By	Standard Terms & Definitions	Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar)
Reputation rules	Cautionary Note	Photo, avatars, & signature images policy