Talking to doctors

[AlwaysLauren]

Background: I saw a counselor when I was in college, she sent me to one of the docs at the campus clinic. Doc offered to start me on hormones, but I was in no position financially to take him up on the offer. I graduate, get a job, and contact the doc, who points me towards a clinic that prescribes hormones, and I'm off. I've been on a low dose (clinic wanted to start me off slow) for 4 months.

My work insurance has finally come through, and I would like to start doing the hormones through them. I have a primary care physician I haven't met yet, do I just go to her and lay it all out? Can she point me towards a therapist? What's my next step from here?

[cindianna_jones]

Lauren,

You might want to call your doctor's office and discuss the issue with her without divulging your identity.  I'm still very careful about such things.  If she says that she's okay with it, then you are set.  Open up.

I always try to feel out a new doctor before I admit to this.  My primary care physician must know and will need to give me the most support, so it is key that they be understanding.

Cindi

[ErickaM]

Lauren,
When I approached my primary care physician about my gender issues he simply said I don't do that.  He didn't even have an idea of how to begin, so I got in touch with the LGBT clinic in the area and they have two doctors on staff that specializes in transgender care and my insurance covers the care.  May there is a clinic in your area as well.

[AlwaysLauren]

Lauren,
When I approached my primary care physician about my gender issues he simply said I don't do that.  He didn't even have an idea of how to begin, so I got in touch with the LGBT clinic in the area and they have two doctors on staff that specializes in transgender care and my insurance covers the care.  May there is a clinic in your area as well.

I was going to a clinic, but now that I have insurance, I need to look elsewhere.