A few T questions.

[Andrew1992]

Hey everyone. My name is Andrew, I've been lurking for a while but haven't posted until now. I'm pre everything but am currently working on getting to see a gender therapist (I'm currently on her waiting list unfortunately). I just have a few questions about the process of getting T.

I'm aware that I need the letter from the therapist to get T with most doctors, but once I have my letter should I go straight to an any endo in my area and get blood work done and eventually prescribed T? Or is it better to go to like a basic Urgent Care or other clinic and get the bloodwork and a recommendation for an endo? Will almost any endo prescribe me T? Also, what can I expect to pay for the average doctors visit and bloodwork? I have basic student insurance through my school (UNC Chapel Hill if anyone is nearby and/or can recommend a good endo?) so I'm assuming that'll probably cover blood work.

Also, on a fairly related note, I'm unfortunately living in a female dorm next year so do you guys think it would be a good idea to go ahead and get my letter at least and bloodwork done and maybe even my prescription if I can wait to take it? My main concern is trying to use the all female shower room if I'm 6 months on T and have a beard and body hair. I really want to start taking T though, like as soon as possible. I was basically wondering if anyone had any similar experiences? I'm sure they can't make me not use it if I'm living there and I'm still legally a female on documents and such, but it'd be pretty awkward for me and for anyone else there, my other option is really just taking showers in the middle of the night or at my girlfriends place. I'm definitely living off campus the year after this one.

[wheat thins are delicious]

I'm aware that I need the letter from the therapist to get T with most doctors, but once I have my letter should I go straight to an any endo in my area and get blood work done and eventually prescribed T? Or is it better to go to like a basic Urgent Care or other clinic and get the bloodwork and a recommendation for an endo? Will almost any endo prescribe me T?

What I would do is call endos and even some GPs and ask if they work with trans patients specifically female to male and what are their requirements for prescribing T. 

Also, what can I expect to pay for the average doctors visit and bloodwork? I have basic student insurance through my school (UNC Chapel Hill if anyone is nearby and/or can recommend a good endo?) so I'm assuming that'll probably cover blood work.

doctor's visit cost varies.  Call around and ask local places.  Bloodwork depends on the lab mostly.

Also, on a fairly related note, I'm unfortunately living in a female dorm next year so do you guys think it would be a good idea to go ahead and get my letter at least and bloodwork done and maybe even my prescription if I can wait to take it? My main concern is trying to use the all female shower room if I'm 6 months on T and have a beard and body hair. I really want to start taking T though, like as soon as possible.

It varies from guy to guy but by 6 months it is highly unlikely you will have a beard that is something to worry about.  I am 7 months on T and only have some chin hairs and basically still get ma'am a lot sometimes.  As far as body hair goes, my stomach is hairier and legs and pits, but I'm assuming you have single shower stalls, so just wear a robe in there.  That's what I did when I was living in a female dorm.  So I would go ahead and take it if I were you. 

[sascraps]

There's some discount bloodwork online. You have to dig though, because some sites are way too expensive but there are others that will be way cheaper than going through the normal channels. Then the results are in your hands to take to any doctor you want.

[EthanD]

Hi Andrew. First off an endo is not the only doc. that can prescribe T. There are people that use a GP, gynos (I know it sounds counterintuitive), nurse practitioners, or a PA. I use a PA and she is great and more knowledgeable than the endos I spoke to.
The clinic I go to uses informed consent. I went in for a medical and mental screen and got my T without a therapists recommendation. I went to (and continue to go occasionally) therapy for myself not to get a "permission slip" for T. You can call around to see what docs will work with you. If you have a local LGBT center they might have resources. You can also ask your gender therapist. If there is no one that does informed consent and you need a letter I wouldn't wait until you have your letter to start looking for a doctor. It can be a long process to get an appointment or to find a doctor that is willing to work with/experienced in treating trans patients. You can also contact your school's counseling center to see if they have someone on staff qualified to help you.
As far as payment I have no idea. I use a sliding scale clinic but, the last time I had to pay for bloodwork (no insurance) it was about $400.00. I will assume that your insurance will cover a blood panel.
If you are living in a female dorm and planning on starting hormones I would first check your school's discrimination policy to see if it covers gender identity. Even if it doesn't I would contact the housing department and inform them of your trans status. Many times accommodations are made for trans students (gender neutral bathroom use/single rooms etc.). It would be highly inappropriate for a man to be using women's shower facilities and bathrooms so the school should have to do something.
At 6 months on T the physical changes can vary. I am 6 weeks on what would be considered a low-dose and have the beginnings of facial hair and quite a bit of body hair. I have a friend who is on a much higher dose and has been on for about 4 months and he has voice drop and no hair. It is about genetics. I would be uncomfortable using female facilities because I am not female. It would have nothing to do with my physical changes. Asking for accommodations to be made for your comfort is not out of line and your college is one of the bigger systems so I am sure they have dealt with some trans students in the past.
Hope this helps a bit.

[Andrew1992]

Thanks guys. I feel like I had silly questions, but now I know at least right? I appreciate your help very much. I ended up sending an email to my school's lgbtq center asking about local doctors who work with trans patients and I also emailed student health. Its pretty full service so it'd be awesome if one of the docs there could prescribe me.

Thanks again.