Dr Curtis + hormones

[JaimeJJ]

Hi, since my psychological assessment by the NHS, I have read on this forum about lengthy waiting times to be referred to the GIC in London (between 6-12 months sometimes!).

I have been told that it is possible to make a private appointment with Dr Curtis, who will put you on hormones and then you can integrate back to the NHS system once you have your appointment.

What I wanted to know is, with Dr Curtis - would he put me on hormones even if I am not living the "real life experience" and have no intention to do so just yet?

Ideally, I would like to start hormones first, then after the effects become more noticable, slowly transition.  Is this possible?  I am not expecting to be put on hormones on my first appointment with him, but maybe by my 2nd or 3rd, even if I had still not started living full time.  Would this be possible?

[Sinnyo]

I'm hoping the doctors don't expect us to be full-time either. There's simply no way I can keep it up yet, with this much maintenance necessary just to keep my masculine hair at bay! From what I understand, it's enough to be doing all that you can; changing your name by deed poll, making sure that you are out in your new gender most of the time and being comfortable enough in yourself that you know you won't be going back. I tend to see things that way myself - the doctors want proof that we're not turning back, otherwise hormones are going to wreck our lives.

Not that I speak from experience, of course - I'm still waiting to see Dr. Ahmad next month.

[JaimeJJ]

I'm not full time, I'm not even part time! I don't feel comfortable enough to go outside in female clothes until I look more feminine (e.g. my hair grows out, facial changes from hormones and general after effects of hormones). So I am hoping I will be given a prescription for them without being "out" to most people.  I'd rather wait until the effects of hormones started to show, if you know what I mean?

I have already bought 1 month's worth of hormones from a friend, but havn't taken any yet, I'd rather be under the watch of a professional, but if they are expecting me to show my commitment by going out dressed in public first, I think I'd have to take matters in to my own hands!

[lilacwoman]

Hi, since my psychological assessment by the NHS, I have read on this forum about lengthy waiting times to be referred to the GIC in London (between 6-12 months sometimes!).
I have been told that it is possible to make a private appointment with Dr Curtis, who will put you on hormones and then you can integrate back to the NHS system once you have your appointment.
What I wanted to know is, with Dr Curtis - would he put me on hormones even if I am not living the "real life experience" and have no intention to do so just yet?

I'm not sure what Richard's present attitude is but he arranged my endocrine test and prescribed from that while I was still waiting for the NHS to do it.

If you have no intention to go full time then I would be reluctant to start you on hormones but maybe Richard differs.

[lilacwoman]

I'm not full time, I'm not even part time! I don't feel comfortable enough to go outside in female clothes until I look more feminine (e.g. my hair grows out, facial changes from hormones and general after effects of hormones). So I am hoping I will be given a prescription for them without being "out" to most people.  I'd rather wait until the effects of hormones started to show, if you know what I mean?
I have already bought 1 month's worth of hormones from a friend, but havn't taken any yet, I'd rather be under the watch of a professional, but if they are expecting me to show my commitment by going out dressed in public first, I think I'd have to take matters in to my own hands!

how do you know if you will ever pass enough to be happily out if you aren't going out and getting feedback?
Find the nearest transfreindly club and go spend an evening their seeing the range of people showing all sorts of genders.
there will be some who will give you advice on how to make yourself look female while you wait for hormone's changes that may never come.

[JaimeJJ]

I'm not sure what Richard's present attitude is but he arranged my endocrine test and prescribed from that while I was still waiting for the NHS to do it.

If you have no intention to go full time then I would be reluctant to start you on hormones but maybe Richard differs.

I do have an intention to go full time, I just don't want to go full time YET. I am still living at home and work a 9-5 job, so going "full time" is something I only want to consider once I have started the hormonal process and gradually feminised myself.