I made an appt with my doctor to discuss HRT

[Mattie02]

To say that I'm a more than a little (fill in adjective here _________; apprehensive, nervous, scared) is an understatement. I'm going because I'm finally tired of not being "me", and I want to find out what hormones may or may not be able to do for me. I'm not going in with a plan in mind, i.e. - I want to fully transition, etc., but I have been dealing with dysphoric thoughts that are continuing to get more intrusive.

My initial query to the doctor will be from a viewpoint of what would a "low dose" HRT look like and what are some of the effects that could take place. Would it help the dysphoria? Can I stop? What are the side effects? Those types of things.

Without going totally going down the rabbit hole of my journey to this point so far, I have generally known I was female on the inside, and have gone back and forth with what that means for a very long time. I am working on becoming more authentic with myself (now with 10% less negative feelings!), more accepting and really working on embracing the non-binary aspects of me.

So, what other things should I be looking at/researching, and what questions or topics are good things to ask the doctor? I want to make the most of my time, and while I'm sure I'll think of something after I've left, I'd like to go in as prepared as possible. FWIW, this is my normal primary care person, but I've usually always see the PA. So besides being nervous about the nature of the appointment, I'm hoping the primary is ok too.

[Sarahthenerd]

To say that I'm a more than a little (fill in adjective here _________; apprehensive, nervous, scared) is an understatement. I'm going because I'm finally tired of not being "me", and I want to find out what hormones may or may not be able to do for me. I'm not going in with a plan in mind, i.e. - I want to fully transition, etc., but I have been dealing with dysphoric thoughts that are continuing to get more intrusive.

My initial query to the doctor will be from a viewpoint of what would a "low dose" HRT look like and what are some of the effects that could take place. Would it help the dysphoria? Can I stop? What are the side effects? Those types of things.

Without going totally going down the rabbit hole of my journey to this point so far, I have generally known I was female on the inside, and have gone back and forth with what that means for a very long time. I am working on becoming more authentic with myself (now with 10% less negative feelings!), more accepting and really working on embracing the non-binary aspects of me.

So, what other things should I be looking at/researching, and what questions or topics are good things to ask the doctor? I want to make the most of my time, and while I'm sure I'll think of something after I've left, I'd like to go in as prepared as possible. FWIW, this is my normal primary care person, but I've usually always see the PA. So besides being nervous about the nature of the appointment, I'm hoping the primary is ok too.

Mattie,

Most doctors will refer you to an endocrinologist for hrt. But either way is is good start with the simple questions. What are the possible side effects? How often do you need to visit the office? How many trans* patients have they treated? How long till you expect to see/feel changes? Etc...

Everyone responds different and the is no "one way" to transition. What works for me, may not work for you.

A good doctor will ask you what you expect or want to accomplish with hrt, preference of pronouns, name. And if you are already on any medications, or have any conditions.

Your asking questions here and that is a great start
good luck with your appointment!

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[DawnOday]

Mattie... Most the time we see a gender therapist first for permission to ask the doctor to start HRT. It took me two visits and she had the permission waiting at the third. I started a little over two years ago. I can attest to the relief felt from starting HRT. Actually other than the birth of my kids, it's the greatest feeling I've ever had. I am lucky that I have a wife and family that supports my decision.

[Mattie02]

Thank you both for the replies. I can't even sleep right now since I'm so nervous about tomorrow (technically I guess it's today, in about 6 hours).

I've seen a couple of therapists over the past 2 years, and both have suggested and supported the idea that HRT could be a good fit for my circumstance. I'm also fortunate to have a spouse who is generally supportive. I would anticipate getting a referral out to an endocrinologist, but figured starting with my primary was as good a place as any. I'll be taking my list of questions in and we'll see what happens.

[Mattie02]

Sooooo.......To say I was surprised by today's physician visit would be an understatement! Just as background info, I haven't really had a lot of interaction with my primary care physician so I wasn't sure how today's appointment would go. Would there be open dialog, would it be awkward, etc. etc.

In short, the appointment went very well. He was very open in our discussions, if not remaining more on the clinical side, and straight away prescribed for me estradiol (patches) and spironolactone. I was shocked. I figured this would just be the initial "ice breaker" with my care team, and I'd be referred off to an endo and go from there. Nope! Prescription sent over to the pharmacy and I can pick it up tomorrow (they didn't have the estradiol patches on hand).


I'm really glad that part was so relatively easy. I'm a little nervous now at the real world prospect of actually having the medication. It's a good, anticipatory nervous for sure, but it almost feels a bit surreal that after a lifetime of trying to reconcile the duality of my person, a big part of the process for me is now just a day away.

[sarah1972]

Wow! Congratulations on starting HRT. Really seems like you had a great and very quick experience. Bummer you have to wait for the patches.

I remember my big day and I am still surprised I did not get a speeding ticket after I left my doctor and had prescriptions in my hand. I still had to get a blood test and then the next immediate stop was my pharmacy.

Good luck with your journey!

Hugs,

Sarah

[Mattie02]

^^^ Thanks Sarah! I'm glad I already had a baseline of complete blood work in the system that is functioning as my values, so I could at least avoid the blood work to start (I hate needles! lol).

[DawnOday]

Good. After a few days you will be feeling the effects beginning a reduction in depression and a brighter outlook. After about six months I didn't report any depression for the first time in my adult life. The female figure helps but that really is not the main benefit for me. Be glad you don't have diabetes.

[Sarahthenerd]

Congratulations!

There is no equivalent to the feeling of taking that first dose!

I'm not sure why I waited until the next morning after picking mine up. For a while I thought I'd have some kind of event and a speech and all to commemorate with my supporters. But instead I popped those magic pills with my morning coffee and what not rather unceremoniously. Either way it's a new beginning.

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[pamelatransuk]

Hello Mattie

So today is your first day of HRT. It is a wonderful feeling as you apply the first patch and take the first tablet! You'll remember this event forever.

Welcome to the rollercoaster ride of your HRT journey!

Hugs

Pamela

[Mattie02]

Thank you all for your continued encouragement and kind words!

I picked up both scrips this afternoon. It almost didn't feel real, to walk out of the store with my little paper bag filled with the very items I wondered for so long about.

I've been doing a lot of research and reading so I don't feel like I'm going in blind, if anything, I'm trying to learn all that I can.

I very nervously applied my first patch just about 30 minutes ago. I think I'm going to wait and take the first Spiro pill in the morning. But it has begun. It's really hard to describe the feeling....it's a good feeling, it's just a different sort of experience so unlike anything else. 

[Sarahthenerd]

it's a good feeling, it's just a different sort of experience so unlike anything else. 

It's reaffirming isn't it?

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[Mattie02]

It's reaffirming isn't it?

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Yes it is.