Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hey all,

So my search continues for a doctor for HRT. Got a phone call back today from a prospective place and was told the doctor that does Hormones wouldn't even be willing to read up and learn about transgender HRT. Even when I offered to provide the free download how to book from the endocrine society. It's frustrating. I don't think I'm asking for much. From my own limited understanding, transgender HRT is nearly identical to post menopause HRT for women.

I wonder if I'm even asking the right questions when I call. Basically I ask them if they provide transgender medical services and then if they provide HRT for transgender patients. I get tons of yes's that they will provide medical services and are willing to maintain, monitor, and adjust if you are on HRT. But if you haven't started HRT through legit or illegitimate means then they apparently want nothing to do with you.

I guess it's time to widen the search further. I've exhausted everything in town as far as Endos, OBGYN's, and Integrative Medicine places. Wonder what other doctors I could call. About ready to see if my GP would be willing to read the how to book and provide service. I'm waiting for another reply from one place I called today. And another prospective place is only open on Fridays so I can't call till then. Glad I have a therapy appt for tomorrow. One of two bright spots this week. Therapy and Laser Hair Consultation later in the week.

I hate Northern Michigan Doctors. At least the one's that won't do their jobs.

~Kamyu

Not sure if any of this would help

http://www.transgendermichigan.org/transpages/mhp.html

Wish you well on your search. My GP helped me with mine. So does not hurt to ask.

Isabell

I actually just stumbled upon a therapist in Mount Pleasant whom I just called because their page lists that they offer referrals to trans friendly professionals. I was on the phone for a good 20 minutes with the receptionist who was very friendly and understanding. There apparently is a doctor they refer patients to in Mount Pleasant who is apparently very good with trans patients. I gave my phone number to the receptionist so the therapist could call me and let me know if she knows any others that might be further north.

The receptionist was very understanding about the lack of support from the medical community. So worse case I have to drive to Mount Pleasant which isn't too bad. Only a 2 hour drive. Better than the 5 hour drive to Ann Arbor. :)

~Kamyu

I understand it's frustrating but it's probably better to find an experienced medico rather than use one who had a read through the recent documentation the night before. Getting the right HRT balance is complicated and potentially harmful to health if not prescribed, you need someone who knows what they're doing. I would suggest that doctor is doing their job by admitting they don't know how to treat trans HRT and not exposing you to potential risk.

Quote from: Kamyu on July 07, 2014, 04:11:17 PM
From my own limited understanding, transgender HRT is nearly identical to post menopause HRT for women.

I think it's not quite the same though. We are given anti-androgens to reduce T pre-op and sometimes need higher doses of estrogens for feminization. Post-menopausal women only need enough for relief of menopausal (also called climacteric) symptoms. They've already feminized plenty and have low T. 

Quote from: KamyuI hate Northern Michigan Doctors.

So you used to live in Canada...hence the change to Spiro, right?

@Ms Grace
Oh I agree Grace. That's why I'm happy to hear about the one I did who is experienced according to the receptionist I talked with. Their therapist refers all their Transgender patients to this doctor and I was told they are very trans friendly and good. Been calling everywhere for the last two weeks roughly. It just gets depressing hearing no's all the time. At least I finally might have found an experienced one.

@KayXo
Yea, I know it's not quite the same. I've also never lived in Canada. :P Just looking to begin HRT. ^_^v

Transgender HRT is a different kettle of fish compared to dealing with post menopausal women.  The basic principles and targets are similar, but the fact that you are suppressing one system and simulating another makes it very different, even though many of the drugs used are common to both.

Specialists have their own area of expertise, even in a specialty area of medicine.  My endo, besides trans care, has particular interest in osteoporosis, and I have fun picking his brains when I go and see him.

i totally feel your pain Kamyu

I have been to see three doctors already in the last seven months about HRT. I was well 'armed' with my letter/s from my Psychs.
Two of the three were more concerned with treating 'illnesses' that i hadnt known i had prior to visiting them  ::) and the third outrightly refused to give any help unless i got a third opinion from a 'specialist' who was a solid 10 hr drive away.

i dont mind that trans HRT is a different kettle of fish, but i just want to at least talk to someone about it rather than being shrugged off.

Quote from: Laurenza on July 08, 2014, 11:26:51 PM
i dont mind that trans HRT is a different kettle of fish, but i just want to at least talk to someone about it rather than being shrugged off.

Sorry to hear of your difficulties.  Doctors have the right to refuse to treat if they don't think they have e expertise in a given area.  Unfortunately, it also gives them the means to be disinterested, especially towards a group that they may have personal issues with.