several questions on starting HRT

[lilith]

I've been reading a lot about HRT, and I think that I'm at a point where I should start treatment. After having thought a lot about it, I think I'm emotionally ready for it. Furthermore, I am seeing a therapist, and although she doesn't specialize in this area, I think that she could provide the necessary recommendations or whatever to satisfy the doctor. However, neither I nor my therapist is sure where to go from here.

I don't live in or near a big city -- I guess Chicago is the closest city that qualifies as "big," and it's 3 hours away -- so my options are pretty limited. Also i'm a teen-ager with a very limited income and not a lot of transportation options. Keeping those things in mind, my questions are:

1) What kind of doctor should I be looking for? I suppose an endocrinologist would be best, but i've heard about other kinds of doctors (gyno, etc.) being able to help in this area as well. Is it best to find a specific type of doctor, or will anybody with general knowledge in the area of hormones do?

2) Supposing that i do end up settling for someone who isn't exactly an expert in this sole field, is that safe? For example, I know where I could contact a gynecologist right now, but considering that she probably has no experience with this particular situation (this is the Midwest, after all), is that wise? I mean, is there a danger that someone like a traditional gynecologist could screw up my treatment?

3) As far as monitoring my treatment (checking my blood and liver and so forth as it mentions in the Wiki article), is that usually done by the same staff who deal with prescribing the hormones, or is that yet another doctor i need to worry about? And what does that monitoring generally consist of? Are we talking about like sending samples to a lab, or is this just shining-a-light-in-your-eye and taking-your-blood-pressure kind of stuff?

4) Reading the Wiki article, i get the impression that the injected hormones are the best overall. Obviously it'll vary from person to person, but is that generally the case? If so, why? What's the benefit. I'm also curious as to how often the medication is administered. I've seen documentaries on TV where the person apparently injected the medicine once every 2 weeks or something, is that about right?


I know these are a lot of questions to ask at once, but i'm (understandably) anxious to learn more about this. Thanks for the help.

[Sandi]

First find a therapist who is qualified. One who isn't can hardly make recomendations of hormones that are physical as well as a life changing nature. As far as the doctor you need either an endocrinologist, or a doctor that will consult with one as needed.

I quit seeing my therapist a few years ago after she said I was well adjusted and didn't need more therapy at this time. My medical has also been switched to the VA. Though the VA endo at the clinic wouldn't get involved with a TS, my doctor was smypathetic enough to consult with one that would.

As for monitoring you, your doctor will either know or consult with others for what labs to workup. Don't worry about #4 until you have found proper doctor(s), then discuss it with them.

[lilith]

First find a therapist who is qualified. One who isn't can hardly make recomendations of hormones that are physical as well as a life changing nature.

I'm not sure what you mean. I thought the therapist was only needed to make the recommendation to the doctor regarding whether you're mentally ready to go on hormones, not to make decisions regarding the hormones themselves. Did I misunderstand?




Also, thanks to the person who PMed me. I guess I can't PM them back.

[Kimberly]

15 posts are required for you to PM others.


A qualified therapist is generally preferred in part because they generally should have a better understanding... there are a number of pitfalls once HRT is started and a qualified therapist should know of these already and be able to help you better.  I do not think it is strictly necessary just... prudent.

As for transportation do not neglect the bus and train options.