Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I want to start HRT, but I don't want to jump into it by living as my desired gender until I feel comfortable doing so.  After all, this is for me and not for society.  Am I asking for to much?

I don't know, but I'd be interested in the answer to that question too.

I can't see there being an issue unless you have a really closed-minded therapist.  I'm planning on doing it that way, I'm sure many on this site have done it that way, and I know it's not uncommon.  It's actually kind of unrealistic to expect someone to jump right into living as the other gender without the help of at least a few months of HRT (IMHO).

There shouldn't be an issue if your therapist has much experience in treating trans people. Most of the people in my former group therapy (M2F's and F2M's) did it in that sequence. I did it in that sequence as well.

The original version of the SOC had you living full time before hormones, but that's been outdated for quite a while now. The updated SOC says this about the eligibility for HRT:

1. Age 18 years;
2. Demonstrable knowledge of what hormones medically can and cannot do and their social
benefits and risks;
3. Either:
a. A documented real-life experience of at least three months prior to the administration
of hormones; or
b. A period of psychotherapy of a duration specified by the mental health professional
after the initial evaluation (usually a minimum of three months).

I bolded the part that addresses your question. Hope that helps.

I had question in the back of my mind too thanks Diana_W

I have read many people's stories of their transitions and some were on HRT for years before going full time, Some of them seemed to be waiting on FFS before their RLE. There was a transwoman named Sally IIRC who was quite big on the net as an example of what can be accomplished a while back, and that was the order she did it.

Hi Samara
What you describe is how i plan to do it as well.  I feel i really need the HRT before i attempt any RLE

Shelly
xx

Any therapist worth their salt should be happy to let you progress at your own pace.  If you encounter resistance, find a bulldozer.

Here's the thing

There's your pace, and HRT's pace. If you are young, HRT is probably going to go faster than you are ready to. I stopped being able to pass as a guy long before I thought would be the case. I cannot *convince* people over the phone that I am a guy,which has actually lead to problems with my accounts. And last night for the first time, I had my driver's license rejected as a form of identification.

If you are young, and are starting from an easy point (high voice, small build), then within 6 months of full HRT you will probably be surprised. Of course, I was on AA for years before, so that may have made things easier for me - being on hair removal for years before certainly did.

The first thing you should do is start laser hair removal immediately, it takes FOREVER, is very expensive, and is incredibly necessary to pass.

I had to go the 3 months to get a therapist letter, it's part of standards of care. I did it via 2 visits - when I walked in her door, she thought I was full time already, and that was before estrogen. She wanted to see me more, but told me medical supervision and costs are more important for me. I really would like to see her, but I just can't afford to anymore. I was also on black market AA and E by the time she wrote it, anyway.

Good luck.

I have been on HRT for almost a year now, and I am not full time.  It can be done, but it gets difficult sometimes.  I see girls who started 2, 3, and even 6 months after me already full time.  But as much as I may wish to be done, it is the journey that is important, more so than the final destination.  Especially since I don't think that there is one.  Life is about growing, and we are always changing.  HRT and SRS are just another step on the path not just the endpoints.

I have 2 therapists and they both agree that the time table is up to each person.  When you are ready you will know.  In fact I just met with one of them today and he was telling me how he thinks that everything should be taken in baby steps. Not everyone wants to do that, but by doing so it allows you to discover more about yourself and what is happening to you.  And yes there are quite a lot of internal changes that occur within you as you are on HRT.  WOW doesn't even describe it sometimes.

I wish you the best of luck.  Your therapist should let you set your own pace for when and how you will transition, and just be there to help guide you. 

I also agree...Everone knows and feels whats best for them. Although we feel ready and want it badly, we all know the right time. HRT seems to me like a great idea. At least it is steps u r taking.
I am sure the right therapst will understand that..........