Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Harlow on August 13, 2013, 07:03:03 PM Return to Full Version
Title: Dr. apt for HRT what to expect?
Post by: Harlow on August 13, 2013, 07:03:03 PM
Post by: Harlow on August 13, 2013, 07:03:03 PM
So I have an appointment to see Dr. Becker about getting on HRT. Here is the link for the doctors offices site in case you're interested http://www.nwpc.com/biopages/Becker.shtml From what I read she is the ONE as far as specialists go in the Portland OR metro area.
I have been seeing a therapist since January for ADHD among other things and have come out to her with being trans. However she doesn't specialize in trans issues or diagnosis, will she still count in the doctors eyes? Also she is licensed as a LPC and LLC, she is not a psychiatrist. I'm just asking because I really like her and rather not have to see someone new if I don't have to.
I know the first time around I saw a doctor for HRT, I had to see their therapist that worked in the same office. I'm wondering since I had gone through this process before and was diagnosed as trans if that will count. I saw Dr. Darren Weingberger on Los Angeles who is a specialist with trans youth. He was actually on a t.v. show about it too, idk if any of you are familiar with the LOGO TV show that was about trans youth, Racey who lived in LA went and saw him! At any rate I'm wondering with my history if I will be able to bypass a lengthy diagnosis and get on HRT sooner.
I hope so even at a low dose, I just want to start :P
Anyway what are your ideas, and experiences with your first doctor visit to start HRT?
I have been seeing a therapist since January for ADHD among other things and have come out to her with being trans. However she doesn't specialize in trans issues or diagnosis, will she still count in the doctors eyes? Also she is licensed as a LPC and LLC, she is not a psychiatrist. I'm just asking because I really like her and rather not have to see someone new if I don't have to.
I know the first time around I saw a doctor for HRT, I had to see their therapist that worked in the same office. I'm wondering since I had gone through this process before and was diagnosed as trans if that will count. I saw Dr. Darren Weingberger on Los Angeles who is a specialist with trans youth. He was actually on a t.v. show about it too, idk if any of you are familiar with the LOGO TV show that was about trans youth, Racey who lived in LA went and saw him! At any rate I'm wondering with my history if I will be able to bypass a lengthy diagnosis and get on HRT sooner.
I hope so even at a low dose, I just want to start :P
Anyway what are your ideas, and experiences with your first doctor visit to start HRT?
Title: Re: Dr. apt for HRT what to expect?
Post by: LordKAT on August 13, 2013, 10:28:46 PM
Post by: LordKAT on August 13, 2013, 10:28:46 PM
She asked about a couple things in my therapist letter. She disagreed with the one about T possibly increasing rage. Then took blood and gave me my script at the same time. She also said she would stop my T if I started smoking again.
Title: Re: Dr. apt for HRT what to expect?
Post by: Jamiep on August 13, 2013, 11:32:02 PM
Post by: Jamiep on August 13, 2013, 11:32:02 PM
Hi Harlow, I notice you mention you saw a therapist before that diagnosed you as trans. Did they give you anything in writing stating this. If not, could you contact the therapist for a letter diagnosing you as trans? Mention this to your new Doctor, it can help. If you have this option in Portland, perhaps you could try informed consent. I live in a suburb of Toronto, Canada, and I told my gender Doctor saying I am knowledgeable enough to go on informed consent. The Doc had to go by standard rules of 3 months wait from my first appointment before I could start hrt. My first visit I gave my Doc a brief history of dressing as a lady. The Doc will need to know your medical history. Discussion of hrt. Ask questions. My Doc gave me a form to go for blood tests. Seeing as you have seen other Docs & therapists, you probably know to be relaxed, breathe, be yourself & communicate.
Hope all goes well.
Jamiep
Hope all goes well.
Jamiep
Title: Re: Dr. apt for HRT what to expect?
Post by: Harlow on August 15, 2013, 07:46:33 PM
Post by: Harlow on August 15, 2013, 07:46:33 PM
Thanks for the feedback.
So good surprise is that the Dr. could tell I was on HRT before because of breast tissue. Also that I am well into adulthood (30's) that I have been seeing a therapist etc. And she put me on spiro right away I'm picking up my letter from my therapist to start on the estrogen tomorrow. So excited no wait time :P Now we'll see what happens :D
So good surprise is that the Dr. could tell I was on HRT before because of breast tissue. Also that I am well into adulthood (30's) that I have been seeing a therapist etc. And she put me on spiro right away I'm picking up my letter from my therapist to start on the estrogen tomorrow. So excited no wait time :P Now we'll see what happens :D
Title: Re: Dr. apt for HRT what to expect?
Post by: Jamiep on August 15, 2013, 11:54:18 PM
Post by: Jamiep on August 15, 2013, 11:54:18 PM
Harlow, you are welcome & thanks for the update. Excellent that you can get a letter from your therapist, your past experience, knowledge & maturity allowed your Doctor to start you right away, so wonderful you don't have to go through the wait period again.
Best wishes on your journey.
Jamie
Best wishes on your journey.
Jamie
Title: Re: Dr. apt for HRT what to expect?
Post by: Harlow on August 16, 2013, 02:23:30 PM
Post by: Harlow on August 16, 2013, 02:23:30 PM
Thanks Jamie :D
Title: Re: Dr. apt for HRT what to expect?
Post by: spx_1112 on August 19, 2013, 06:07:39 AM
Post by: spx_1112 on August 19, 2013, 06:07:39 AM
What more can you tell us about your doctor appointment? Are both your doctors female? Is that on purpose?
Title: Re: Dr. apt for HRT what to expect?
Post by: Harlow on August 19, 2013, 08:02:52 AM
Post by: Harlow on August 19, 2013, 08:02:52 AM
Quote from: spx_1112 on August 19, 2013, 06:07:39 AM
What more can you tell us about your doctor appointment? Are both your doctors female? Is that on purpose?
My family practitioner Dr. is female on purpose, my HRT Dr. is MTF and that was not on purpose. I knew there would be very few who specialized in that field. So I guess I lucked out, I just feel more comfortable with female Dr.s
I'm calling today to get on estrodiol or whatever form of estrogen she'll be perscribing me. We'll see, I'll post later ;)
Title: Re: Dr. apt for HRT what to expect?
Post by: Jaelithe on August 19, 2013, 10:29:53 AM
Post by: Jaelithe on August 19, 2013, 10:29:53 AM
This is splendid! I certainly hope my own experiance goes this smoothly. I'm trying to schedule my therapist now, and hoping to be on HRT by January.....if that's realistic......not entirely sure, but hoping for it anyways!
Title: Re: Dr. apt for HRT what to expect?
Post by: Harlow on August 19, 2013, 07:45:15 PM
Post by: Harlow on August 19, 2013, 07:45:15 PM
Quote from: Jaelithe on August 19, 2013, 10:29:53 AM
This is splendid! I certainly hope my own experiance goes this smoothly. I'm trying to schedule my therapist now, and hoping to be on HRT by January.....if that's realistic......not entirely sure, but hoping for it anyways!
I hope so too! I feel lucky I didn't have to wait this time around, I really am ready!
I did get on estradiol, so today is the first day :laugh:
Title: Re: Dr. apt for HRT what to expect?
Post by: Jamie D on August 20, 2013, 07:55:00 PM
Post by: Jamie D on August 20, 2013, 07:55:00 PM
Harlow, I am glad things worked out for you.
Title: Re: Dr. apt for HRT what to expect?
Post by: Harlow on August 20, 2013, 08:19:30 PM
Post by: Harlow on August 20, 2013, 08:19:30 PM
Quote from: Jamie D on August 20, 2013, 07:55:00 PM
Harlow, I am glad things worked out for you.
Thanks Jamie :)