Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hi,
I'm at the earlier part of this journey and in the process of seeing the psychologist to get the letter to acknowledge that I am who I am. I am keen to get HRT but I am jut not really sure what happens.
I am very excited and eager to begin the hormones to begin the process of the body changes.
I wonder what happens, do I have more hoops to jump through after that? More assessments?
Feeling so excited and a little confused about what's next.

Some times your psychologist will know an endocrinologist that they'll refer you to, other times you will take your letter to an endocrinologist directly, or option 3... show the letter to your primary care physician and they'll connect you with an endocrinologist or gynecologist. Once you get the appointment you will more than likely interview with the doctor briefly, do blood work, and discuss methods of administration of the hormones.

I know you are in Melbourne and I'm in Adelaide but it is similar. Once you have completed the assessment with the psych and get the referral to an endocrinologist or GP who is going to monitor your HRT you have a conversation with them, medical history, allergies, health issues, what medications you are on, maybe a physical examination which may include a look at the junk etc. Then usually a blood draw to monitor your baseline biochemistry then a script for HRT. Depending upon the medic that may be a blocker first or oestrogen first. It doesn't make much difference in the long run. Oestrogen will block T production anyway and often the medic wants to see how much blocking you get before adding an anti androgen into the mix. What sort of oestrogen? In Australia usually a pill first (Progynova) as the dose is easy to manipulate, then on to injections or patches or implants depending on the medic and the availability.

Usually go back after a month or so for another examination and blood test, then see them as need be for a new script and assessment. It is all very easy, remember to ask as many questions about how you take your HRT, side effects etc, time for changes, things to look out for, anything! The medics treating TG people in Melbourne are very experienced and more questions the easier.

Hey and fasten the seat belt, put the shades on and get ready for the ride of your life!!!

Quote from: rickkie on September 22, 2016, 08:32:27 PM
Hi,
I'm at the earlier part of this journey and in the process of seeing the psychologist to get the letter to acknowledge that I am who I am. I am keen to get HRT but I am jut not really sure what happens.
I am very excited and eager to begin the hormones to begin the process of the body changes.
I wonder what happens, do I have more hoops to jump through after that? More assessments?
Feeling so excited and a little confused about what's next.

Once you get that letter you speak to a endocrinologist
and i believe at that point you basically are good to go if all questions and blood work comes out good.
But don't quote me i just know that's how it went for me ^.^ once i got my endro it was simpler. 

Thanks so much, especially to Cindy with the Australian knowledge. Yeah I am ready for the ride of my life for sure. Kind of looking forward and kind of aprehensive - not in the I don't want to do this but in the well what's in store kind of way.

<3 <3

There's doctors in Melbourne who prescribed Microgyon, which contains Ethinyloestradiol. I'd try to avoid that as it's not safe. As Cindy mentioned, make sure you get Progynova if you're going to use pills.

Hi Rickkie

I'm in Melbourne  and on HRT. if you need help please PM me

Thanks Ashley I just might do that. I added you to my buddies. Thanks <3