Susan's Place Transgender Resources

How soon can I get on Testosterone? I've been seeing a counselor for over 10 years, she's actually a social worker, but I came out to her about being trans about maybe a year or so ago. Can I just go to my doctor and get on T or do I have to see a gender therapist for years and then get a referral? I really wanna get on T. I wanna make these changes as soon as possible.

Also, I'm nervous about shots. I hate needles. How often do you get shots and where do you get the shots... arms, legs, etc...?  I heard about patches too.... Are they any good?

You'll have to ask your counselor to be sure, but I think she can write you a referral to take to a doctor.  If not, then you'll need to see a gender therapist for a referral.  If the therapist goes by the rules in the APA guidelines you'll be waiting 3 months before she'll write you the letter.  It's also sometimes possible to get T by informed consent, but you'd have to find a doctor who was willing. 

Shots generally go in the upper thigh or the butt muscle, and are done once a week or once every other week.  Patches can be used, but most guys just go with the shots because the patches can irritate your skin, and like gels and creams they must be done every single day, so it can get really annoying.

Thanks. The counselor I talk to is actually a social worker. I just called her up to see if she could write me a note or something. I know she would write me the note or referral, but since she's a social worker would it do any good?

I can't find any gender therapist in my area. What happens if I can't find a gender therapist in my area?

I'd rather go with the patch, I don't mind doing the patch everyday. Hopefully it won't irritate my skin.  But if it does, I guess I'll have to do the shots, but I won't be able to give myself injections with a needle. 

What happens when you run out of room to inject yourself? I know you can't inject yourself in the same spot.

It depends very much on what country you live in and, if you live in America, which part of the country.

I know a girl that was living full time for just over a year, and got her prescription a few weeks after the initial call to the doctor. Other people have to wait absurdly long times.

Quote from: Dominick_81 on September 29, 2010, 09:41:47 PM
What happens when you run out of room to inject yourself? I know you can't inject yourself in the same spot.

I don't know anything about that, but it sounds like the absolute best person to answer that is the doctor that gives you your prescription.

Quote from: Alexei on September 30, 2010, 03:37:07 PM
It depends very much on what country you live in and, if you live in America, which part of the country.

I know a girl that was living full time for just over a year, and got her prescription a few weeks after the initial call to the doctor. Other people have to wait absurdly long times.

I don't know anything about that, but it sounds like the absolute best person to answer that is the doctor that gives you your prescription.

Thanks. I live in upstate ny.

You have to get a referral? You can't just go to your doctor and get on T?

Quote from: Dominick_81 on September 29, 2010, 09:41:47 PM
I'd rather go with the patch, I don't mind doing the patch everyday. Hopefully it won't irritate my skin.  But if it does, I guess I'll have to do the shots, but I won't be able to give myself injections with a needle. 

What happens when you run out of room to inject yourself? I know you can't inject yourself in the same spot.

Hey there Dominick, I don't have answers for the rest but I think I can answer your last question. From what I understand, my friend has already started T, he says you can inject in the same spot occasionally like when you run out of room just not one right after the other in the same exact spot. Also, wanted to make sure you know that patches and gel tend to be slower effecting. It is all your choice though, I'm terrified of needles and debated patches or creams but I'm most likely going to do injections out of personal choice. It's all up to you. I think I recall something about informed consent allowing doctors to prescribe T but I could be wrong so maybe one of the other guys can help you with an answer

Quote from: Alexander on September 30, 2010, 04:14:01 PM
Hey there Dominick, I don't have answers for the rest but I think I can answer your last question. From what I understand, my friend has already started T, he says you can inject in the same spot occasionally like when you run out of room just not one right after the other in the same exact spot. Also, wanted to make sure you know that patches and gel tend to be slower effecting. It is all your choice though, I'm terrified of needles and debated patches or creams but I'm most likely going to do injections out of personal choice. It's all up to you. I think I recall something about informed consent allowing doctors to prescribe T but I could be wrong so maybe one of the other guys can help you with an answer

Thank you. I'll have to see how bad the shots are. If they hurt (and I have a low tolerance for pain) I'll have to do the patches.  I can't image having shots every 2 weeks for the rest of my life when I'm terrified of needles and have a low tolerance for pain.

Is there a less effect with acne and clit enlargement with the patches then injection or is it the same? Or will I have acne longer b/c it's slower on the patches?  I don't want these 2 side effects.

sorry but if you take T your clit is going to get larger

Quote from: cynthialee on September 30, 2010, 04:41:00 PM
sorry but if you take T your clit is going to get larger

That sucks. I don't want it to get larger, it freaks me out.

Is that something that is going to be uncomfortable and/or hurt? Am I gunna feel the growth?

Have you tried an herb called tribulus terrestris?

I haven't tried it myself, yet read it was a natural resource to raise levels of testosterone.

Your local natural food store may have specialized male vitamins that you may want to start upon. I recommend the natural kind. Google natural hormones for list of foods you can buy or avoid.

Quote from: Gia on September 30, 2010, 08:27:17 PM
Have you tried an herb called tribulus terrestris?

I haven't tried it myself, yet read it was a natural resource to raise levels of testosterone.

Your local natural food store may have specialized male vitamins that you may want to start upon. I recommend the natural kind. Google natural hormones for list of foods you can buy or avoid.

Thanks. I'll look into that.

I do subcutaneous injections and they don't hurt a bit. Can't really feel it much at all even.

Growth doesn't hurt.

Quote from: Gia on September 30, 2010, 08:27:17 PM
Have you tried an herb called tribulus terrestris?

I haven't tried it myself, yet read it was a natural resource to raise levels of testosterone.

Your local natural food store may have specialized male vitamins that you may want to start upon. I recommend the natural kind. Google natural hormones for list of foods you can buy or avoid.

A warning about TT...I took it for a few months along with eating a better and exercising. It really screwed me up and I know a few people that had significant negative side effects.

Quote from: Silver on October 03, 2010, 03:24:37 PM
I do subcutaneous injections and they don't hurt a bit. Can't really feel it much at all even.

Growth doesn't hurt.

Thanks.