Allison, you are asking the right questions.
First of all, your testosterone is not "low". When lab results come back, they usually have a "reference range" that helps non-endocrinologists understand what that means. The 200-900 range is for males, so that does not apply to you. Your level is actually "high" because it should be in the "female" range.
My results typically come back stating that my estradiol level is high. But consulting the reference range for "female", my level is within the "ovulation" range, which is where women of reproductive age should be.
I agree with you that you should seek out an endocrinologist or a gynecologist with experience in transgender medicine. Otherwise, they will continue to misread your hormone levels. Even endocrinologists do this until they become educated on the latest protocols, or are open to listening to people with real-world experience.
Usually, a local medical center or hospital will list the members of their staff. Look for Endocrinology or Women's Health. Often, there will be a short bio about that person's background and experience, as well as the type of patients they are interested in treating. If you are in the panhandle, try looking in the Pensacola/Fort Walton Beach area. Or maybe even across the border at Mobile, Alabama.
The way I approached my VA Primary doctor was to ask her if the VA covered hormone therapy. She asked if I meant feminizing hormone therapy, and I said yes. She said it was covered, but first, she needed a diagnosis from their mental health department. That led to a referral to a psychologist, a diagnosis of gender dysphoria, then back to my Primary, who could then refer me to an Endocrinologist or Gynecologist. Both had experience in transgender medicine, so she gave me the choice of who I wanted to see. I chose the Endocrinologist, but eventually ended up with the Gynecologist after the Endo retired.
If you do not currently have a diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria, talk to your therapist about getting one first. Then, when you find the Endo or whoever you want to start seeing, simply tell them that you were diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria and you would like to look into hormone therapy.
That way, the endo or whoever can decide if they want to treat you. If they are hostile, they may not. They may not have experience in that area and may decline, or even recommend someone else. At this point, you have not committed to treatment by anyone; you are shopping around.
I hope this is helpful. If you have more questions like this, be sure to ask. We have many members here with a wide variety of experiences that can help you make an informed decision.
Now I will get out of the way so someone else can offer their suggestions.
