First Endocrinologist Appointment Next Week

[Battle Goddess]

I am so geeked!

First appointment for mtf HRT is seven days away, and I couldn't be more excited.

I know that I need to temper my expectations, but I don't know by how much. My dream would be to walk out with an Rx in my hot little hands, but...

Everything taken with a healthy dose of YMWV, but would anyone care to share their recollections of their first visit?

If it helps any, I'm in my early fifties, overweight but otherwise in excellent health. I do take thyroid hormones to manage mild hypothyroidism. Letters from tdoc and pdoc already written, open and confident in what I'm after, insurance in order.



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[Devlyn]

At my first appointment I was told that I'd be starting HRT in one week, pending the results of a blood panel. Good luck!

Hugs, Devlyn

[Northern Star Girl]

I am so geeked!

First appointment for mtf HRT is seven days away, and I couldn't be more excited.

I know that I need to temper my expectations, but I don't know by how much. My dream would be to walk out with an Rx in my hot little hands, but...

Everything taken with a healthy dose of YMWV, but would anyone care to share their recollections of their first visit?

If it helps any, I'm in my early fifties, overweight but otherwise in excellent health. I do take thyroid hormones to manage mild hypothyroidism. Letters from tdoc and pdoc already written, open and confident in what I'm after, insurance in order.

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@Battle Goddess
This indeed is very exciting news...
For sure, most transitioners that are just starting HRT usually have expectations that may need some "YMMV" applied as you wisely mentioned.   

HRT will certainly do wondrous things but PATIENCE is required.   Usually nothing happens as quickly as one may wish when starting their HRT regimen, but things will happen, usually first results in 3 or 4 weeks with the breasts... tingling, erect nipple, small lumps (breast buds) forming under the nipples, erect nipples, etc. ... and as HRT continues, particularly after several months more and more apparent things will be happening more frequently.

I assumed that you have already read a few postings and threads written by other members that describe what they have experienced.   I will be happy to provide more details regarding my thoughts if you wish.

Mark your HRT start day down on your calendar and in your journal.   It will certainly be a day to remember and to celebrate as you continue on in your journey.

Thank you for sharing, and please keep us tuned-in on how your transition plans are proceeding.
Best wishes to you.
Danielle

[biannne]

I have my first appointment in January and I am also excite but I am worried that they might deny HRT because I had a heart attack earlier this month.

Anna

[Northern Star Girl]

I have my first appointment in January and I am also excite but I am worried that they might deny HRT because I had a heart attack earlier this month.

Anna

@biannne
Dear Anna:
Nothing is ruled out until you meet with your Endo Doctor.... and perhaps have some tests done.
...they will make treatment decisions that are based on your own safety.

Wishing you well with your Endo appointment and if you feel so led please keep us updated.
Danielle

[dee82]

First appointment for mtf HRT is seven days away, and I couldn't be more excited.

I know that I need to temper my expectations, but I don't know by how much. My dream would be to walk out with an Rx in my hot little hands, but...

Hi Battle Goddess, I came away from my first appointment disappointed. No prescriptions, and instead a referral to an extensive set of blood tests, and a referral for a bone density test.

I thought I am pretty fit, but the endocrinologist still wanted all sorts of things measured "as a base line".

The actual appointment was good, the doctor was so supportive and helpful, (although I did feel I was being evaluated) and not leaving with a script left me deflated.

But at the second visit, after my results were reviewed, I got the prescriptions. I couldn't wait to go to the chemist to get the pills.

(Went I went to the pathologist to get the blood taken the technician commented to me that some of the tests she had never done before. They took so many vials.)

~Dee.

[Rachel]

Congratulations I am happy for you.

[Northern Star Girl]

Hi Battle Goddess, I came away from my first appointment disappointed. No prescriptions, and instead a referral to an extensive set of blood tests, and a referral for a bone density test.

I thought I am pretty fit, but the endocrinologist still wanted all sorts of things measured "as a base line".

The actual appointment was good, the doctor was so supportive and helpful, (although I did feel I was being evaluated) and not leaving with a script left me deflated.

But at the second visit, after my results were reviewed, I got the prescriptions. I couldn't wait to go to the chemist to get the pills.

(Went I went to the pathologist to get the blood taken the technician commented to me that some of the tests she had never done before. They took so many vials.)

~Dee.

@dee82
Dear Dee:
Be very glad that your doctors want to do extensive blood testing and perhaps more detail health exams.   HRT can raise havoc with your health unless dosages are frequently evaluated for their effectiveness and also checking for negative health side-effects that can be quite dangerous.   
This is exactly why self-medication is such a bad and dangerous concept.

I am so glad that you got your prescription after your 2nd doctor's visit and now you are on your journey.

Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Danielle

[KathyLauren]

Congratulations, Battle Goddess!

My first HRT appointment (after I had my therapist's letter) was for basic intake information, a physical exam, and I got my requisition for blood work at the lab.  The second appointment was after I had had the blood drawn and my doctor had received the results.  It was basically all the informed consent stuff.  I left with my prescriptions.  My dosage was adjusted several times over the next couple of months.

I don't know if an endo would work differently than that.  The doctor who prescribes my HRT is a regular GP who has had WPATH training.  She takes only patients who are in good health.

If you have health issues, they may take more care ensuring that there will be no further complications, and no drug interactions.

[dee82]

@dee82
Dear Dee:
Be very glad that your doctors want to do extensive blood testing and perhaps more detail health exams.   HRT can raise havoc with your health unless dosages are frequently evaluated for their effectiveness and also checking for negative health side-effects that can be quite dangerous.   
This is exactly why self-medication is such a bad and dangerous concept.

I am so glad that you got your prescription after your 2nd doctor's visit and now you are on your journey.

Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Danielle

Thanks Danielle. Yes it is exciting, and that is the attitude I have, better to be safe. The doctor I am seeing, has left me feeling very confident with her skills, and that my physical welfare is her number one priority. Of course, that should always be the case, but some doctors are better than others, and some are aren't exactly great with their communication skills.

~Dee.

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[Battle Goddess]

Congratulations, Battle Goddess!

If you have health issues, they may take more care ensuring that there will be no further complications, and no drug interactions.

Ah, thanks for bringing that up. One of my meds, lamotrigine, doesn't play well with estrogen. They each work to lower the other's effective dosage. I'd already written that down in my list of things to talk over with the endo, but I'm glad you raised the issue. Lamotrigine is the med of choice for the flavor of bipolar I have; I'd hate to have to ditch it.

Anyone ever have to fool with adding estrogens to lamotrigine? How did that play out for you?