you know its time to do dishes when

[Michael Joseph]

your drinking juice out of a shot glass... Any way Im starting therapy with a gender therapist this week. Ive heard a lot of people talk about needing the 3 months of therapy to get a letter for hormones. Im just wondering if that is always a case, or if they can write the letter sooner. I'm already out to everyone i know, family, friends, work, etc. I really would love to be on T before the summer starts and my question is, can they write the letter sooner than the 3 month mark if they think im ready?

Thanks in advanced,
Michael.

[Sandy]

The answer is usually not.

A therapist usually requires multiple sessions to build up a good profile of the client.  The first one or two sessions will be taken up just with getting a background history.

Also your endocrinologist would want to be confident that you are a good candidate for cross hormone therapy and they would want to know that your therapist has taken the time to get to know you.

Also, as I understand the effects of testosterone, you have a much smaller window of opportunity to decide to go back.  Irreversible sterility happens very quickly, on the order of a couple of months.  Guys, help me out here.  Whereas MTF cross hormone therapy can be reversed up to eight months after starting.

And it's time to do the dishes when even the dog won't lick them clean...

-Sandy

[Arch]

It really depends on the therapist and, to some extent, possibly other factors such as your age and level of confidence about who you are.

I personally know a number of people who went the therapy route (rather than informed consent) and didn't take three months to get a letter. A few of them, however, got their letters from a particular therapist whose practices I find questionable.

I suggest that you ask the therapist up front. If it turns out that you need exactly three months, see if you can at least schedule the endo/doctor visit to coincide with the letter.

Beware; a few therapists will say one thing and do another. Do you know anyone else who has seen this therapist for the same issue?

[Michael Joseph]

I dont know anyone else whose seen her before. Its actually my moms best friends sister, so she does know my history a bit.

[xAndrewx]

I've seen it happen because I got mine at less than the 3 month mark because  those things they follow are guidelines, not necessarily rules so if the therapist is comfortable doing so they can. Some I've heard will give the letter after a month or so and continue to see the person afterward to make sure it was the right choice and help them work through changes and such.