Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Jaelithe on August 22, 2013, 09:27:22 AM Return to Full Version
Title: Questions on beginning HRT
Post by: Jaelithe on August 22, 2013, 09:27:22 AM
Post by: Jaelithe on August 22, 2013, 09:27:22 AM
So I have my first session with my therapist coming up in about a month(I seem to need to book everything way in advance), and I was curious about how long I am likely to need to meet with her before starting my HRT. I realize that different people have different experiences with this, but I thought it would be a good idea to hear some from you folks before I write myself a wildly overoptimistic goal date....
Title: Re: Questions on beginning HRT
Post by: suzifrommd on August 22, 2013, 10:15:26 AM
Post by: suzifrommd on August 22, 2013, 10:15:26 AM
The WPATH Standards of Care (http://www.wpath.org/documents/Standards%20of%20Care%20V7%20-%202011%20WPATH.pdf (http://www.wpath.org/documents/Standards%20of%20Care%20V7%20-%202011%20WPATH.pdf)) do not require a specific duration of therapy (I think for fear that we'll just get hormones from the Internet and self-medicate). The doctor I went to asked how long I'd been seeing my therapist. It had been about two months and apparently that was enough for him. I also think he would have accepted a letter from my therapist.
My favorite passage from the SOC (last paragraph on page 25):
My favorite passage from the SOC (last paragraph on page 25):
QuoteIt is important for mental health professionals to recognize that decisions about hormones are first and foremost the client's decisions
Title: Re: Questions on beginning HRT
Post by: Jaelithe on August 22, 2013, 10:36:47 AM
Post by: Jaelithe on August 22, 2013, 10:36:47 AM
That actually fits perfectly into my estimated timeline! Thank you again Suzi, you're always so helpful.
Title: Re: Questions on beginning HRT
Post by: how-audrey on August 22, 2013, 11:22:05 AM
Post by: how-audrey on August 22, 2013, 11:22:05 AM
My therapist told me she'd be writing my letter for hormones during my second session. I think it can generally be pretty quick if you are sure about what you want, and are realistic in your expectations for hormones. I see my therapist once a month.
Title: Re: Questions on beginning HRT
Post by: Jaelithe on August 22, 2013, 11:45:39 AM
Post by: Jaelithe on August 22, 2013, 11:45:39 AM
With the amount of time I've invested in research and planning I should hope I meet those qualifications, thanks for the information Evey!
Title: Re: Questions on beginning HRT
Post by: Heather on August 22, 2013, 12:12:24 PM
Post by: Heather on August 22, 2013, 12:12:24 PM
I was in therapy about a little over two months before I got my letter. When I chose my therapist I wanted one who just wouldn't give me a letter straight away I wanted a therapist who would help me make sure I was making the right decision with my life. If I was you I wouldn't rush into hormones they are a huge step and they will completely change how you think and how you feel. ;)
Title: Questions on beginning HRT
Post by: Jaelithe on August 23, 2013, 01:08:59 PM
Post by: Jaelithe on August 23, 2013, 01:08:59 PM
That's a big part of what I'm hoping for. Internal changes, like feeling more comfortable with my body, are my primary goal for HRT. While I hope for physical changes as well, I know those tend very heavily into YMMV territory and I think going in expecting less won't leave me disappointed with my results.