Getting T from a GP instead of an endo?

[jmaxley]

The only endo in my area willing to prescribe T is very very expensive--hundreds of dollars for just one visit.  My GP (family doc) has known about my gender issues for several months.  Back in late spring, I asked her if she would prescribe T for me and she wouldn't, she seemed really uncomfortable about the idea of it.  I'm thinking of asking her again, though; if she would agree, it'd be a LOT cheaper than going to the endo.  I've been trying to think of what to say to her.  What I'm thinking of is (a) asking for just a low dose right now, and (b) mentioning studies about brain structure.  If she still won't agree, I may just end up calling around to the other docs in the area and see if any will treat trans people.  I don't have high hopes for this though.   Does anyone here have experience with getting hormones from   their family doc or some other general practictioner?  Any ideas on what to say when I ask?

[zombiesarepeaceful]

Well....the doctor that I and a bunch of guys in my area get our T from is actually a GP but he treats many trans people. However, he is not specifically an endo but he has alot of experience in this field. I'm not sure why he decided to treat trans people at his practice, but I'm glad he did. Makes it convenient to see him and refill my meds at the same time, for the price of one doctor's visit. Plus he only charges $50 for an office visit and a very low price for bloodwork.

Not sure what to say when you ask though. Alot of doctors aren't open to treating things they don't know alot about.

[lilacwoman]

Not sure what to say when you ask though. Alot of doctors aren't open to treating things they don't know alot about.

This applies even in the UK with our free NHS.   None of the GPs I have seen have had other TS patients but have given me E and Spiro after I have given them some guidelines from gender clinics that showed that E and S do the work I want and have few problems.
At the end of the day though doctors can face massive fines and banning if their treatmnet goes wrong.  And by doing cut-price work they are cutting their own income.   How many other businesses will work for half rate?

So if the doctors do what we want they need thanking very nicely.

[Chris968]

I don't go to an endo.  I live in Philadelphia and we have the Mazzoni Center, which is an LGBT health clinic.  Most guys I know go there, even guys from Delaware and New Jersey.  I don't think it is absolutely necessary to go to an endo, as long as your doc knows what to check your blood levels for before and while you're on T.

[Bones]

Sorry to sound ignorant but what's a GP?

[Nathan.]

general practitioner

[Bones]

general practitioner

Thank you....Now I feel a DUH moment has occured. *Smacks his forhead* I knew that. *Sighs*

[Mark]

Most GP's wont write you a T rx because they generally know very little about testosterone and all FTM issues for that matter. It is actually a good thing they wont prescribe it because you dont want them ->-bleeped-<-ing up with your dosing or anything... If you found a GP that is experienced in that field im sure they'd be more then willing to write the RX, however its hard to find one. Best options are to look for another endo even if its far.. or find a clinic like Chris did.