Susan's Place Transgender Resources

So...last week I got my prescription of spiro.

Yay...no more worry about gorilla-like body hair.

But I haven't been "officially diagnosed" with gender dysphoria. My doctor was okay with this since there is no Psychiatrists or psychologists in my area with any experience diagnosing trans people with GD. And I told my doc that I don't have the money or time to travel 6 hours+ to a specialized gender clinic. I provided information about hrt (dosages, effects, etc.) my visit before getting the spiro.

My doc read the stuff I provided and told me that he was glad to see that I am well informed, told me that he is willing to learn and asked me what we should start with for hrt. I told my doc that we should probably start with an AA only since we could monitor side effects etc. and so my doc put me on spiro (low dose) for a month and a half...but my doc didnt get any baseline tests or informed consent. (which I plan on contacting him pretty soon and finding out when if he thinks I should get the tests done)

So...I'm afraid that he could tell me that he can't or won't monitor my hormone levels without an endo...and then the endo will tell me that I have to be referred to a gender specialist...is it possible that this could happen?

Or am I just making something out of nothing...?

Thanks,
-Skye

PS- Sorry for the wall or text...

Also...did I mention how awesome my GP is about all this :)

Hey Skye, any competent general practitioner can read the diagnostic test results.  They are medical doctors, after all.  My first prescribing physician was in family practice.

I will tell you the tests I had done, so see what my baselines were, and if there were any underlying problems.

Liver panel
Kidney panel
Blood chemistry, including Na and K levels.
Estrogen and testosterone levels, free and total.

I will look up what was done, and report back.  I have tests done on a regular basis (quarterly), but I am a diabetic and have coronary artery disease, so there is reason to do them more often.

Nothing like your scenario should ever happen.

Yeah I figured that would be the answer...sometimes I get a little doubtful/cynical about positive events in my life...it comes with being into philosophy and such...I tend to think about various scenarios too much and then BAM! I find one that bothers me.

My doctor is very trans friendly and even talked to me about my name change on my medical records, as well as calling me by my preferred name and pronouns :)

I'm in very good health and I have no pre-existing problems that would put up a red flag for me starting hrt...I just gotta stop smoking those cigars...I love 'em...but they're especially not safe with estrogen.

I suppose it helped that I came in to my appointments prepared, mature, and with a well thought out attitude...and my GP is awesome!

Thanks for the reply :)

(Anyone else's input is also welcome!)

Yeah, he should be able to handle this sort of thing.  Plus, he wouldn't have prescribed these medications if he didn't think he was qualified in monitoring it.  I don't think you have much to worry about.

And Spiro won't eradicate your hair ..
Slow it down yes.  Not eradicate ...

Quote from: XchristineX on May 16, 2013, 12:25:40 AM
And Spiro won't eradicate your hair ..
Slow it down yes.  Not eradicate ...

Yeah I know...I guess I was sort of ambiguous in what I said.

What I really meant is that now I don't have to worry about becoming a gorilla in the future (my genetics) since I'm on hrt now :)

Quote from: Skye-Blue on May 15, 2013, 08:53:32 PM
Yeah I figured that would be the answer...sometimes I get a little doubtful/cynical about positive events in my life...it comes with being into philosophy and such...I tend to think about various scenarios too much and then BAM! I find one that bothers me.

My doctor is very trans friendly and even talked to me about my name change on my medical records, as well as calling me by my preferred name and pronouns :)

I'm in very good health and I have no pre-existing problems that would put up a red flag for me starting hrt...I just gotta stop smoking those cigars...I love 'em...but they're especially not safe with estrogen.

I suppose it helped that I came in to my appointments prepared, mature, and with a well thought out attitude...and my GP is awesome!

Thanks for the reply :)

(Anyone else's input is also welcome!)

You said it, Skye!  You did exactly the right thing.

As Jamie said.

You are doing exactly the right stuff. If you wish print/download the wpath guidelines and give your GP a copy. He then has the reference and can always ask for advice etc on their discussion area - which is restricted to professionals with interest in gender dysmorphia.

Quote from: Cindy. on May 16, 2013, 05:11:53 AM
As Jamie said.

You are doing exactly the right stuff. If you wish print/download the wpath guidelines and give your GP a copy. He then has the reference and can always ask for advice etc on their discussion area - which is restricted to professionals with interest in gender dysmorphia.

That was actually the first thing I did! :)

He's already had it for 2+ appointments.

Thanks for the advice though :)

I'm glad you did it.  I know How hard it is the first time...

You're doing fine Skye.