I guess I'm just now realizing it after reading the trouble people are going through, but all I did to get hormones is I called up the local lgbt center and asked for an lgbt friendly doctor. Called him, made an appointment, got anti androgen a month later and hormones a month after that. Tests blood once a month to check levels and liver functioning.
No letter or anything.
Did I just really luck out? I'm sad to see my brothers and sisters having hard times with this crucial step in transitioning.
I think it depends on where you live. Here in Los Angeles (maybe all of California?) everyone seems to operate on the "informed consent" model which basically means they assume you understand the risks & benefits of HRT and don't need a letter.
When I chose a trans specialized endocrinologist he explained everything to me just in case- which I did appreciate because he taught me a few things I didn't learn about online. I am also seeing a gender therapist but it is not a necessity here to have a letter at all. My therapist has been really helpful so I'm glad to be getting therapy anyway if you think it will help.
Also, I should add, that I as well feel very lucky to live in a place where informed consent exists for this sort of thing.
It took me months to find a trans friendly doctor and once I did, I still had to get a letter. It took me 6 sessions to get the letter. It's all good though. It really helped confirm my determination to transition to have to go through all that.
Quote from: josee on January 02, 2013, 06:52:51 PM
It took me months to find a trans friendly doctor and once I did, I still had to get a letter. It took me 6 sessions to get the letter. It's all good though. It really helped confirm my determination to transition to have to go through all that.
Same lots of us got to be minced through the system for our HRT.
Quote from: girl you look fierce on January 06, 2013, 09:42:05 AM
I definitely think it varies, I went to an endo and she was like "do you feel like having any therapy?" and I said no I don't really need it in my life, at least not transition related, and she agreed and prescribed my hormones.
Man if only getting weed was so easy!!
Quote from: Jennygirl on January 02, 2013, 06:20:57 PM
I think it depends on where you live. Here in Los Angeles (maybe all of California?) everyone seems to operate on the "informed consent" model which basically means they assume you understand the risks & benefits of HRT and don't need a letter.
When I chose a trans specialized endocrinologist he explained everything to me just in case- which I did appreciate because he taught me a few things I didn't learn about online. I am also seeing a gender therapist but it is not a necessity here to have a letter at all. My therapist has been really helpful so I'm glad to be getting therapy anyway if you think it will help.
Also, I should add, that I as well feel very lucky to live in a place where informed consent exists for this sort of thing.
I tend to agree that it does depend on where you live. I'm in Georgia and when I mentioned informed consent and showed the doc the SoC7 outlining it, she looked at me as if I'd suddenly grown a second head with bug eyes, then she categorically said no. I offered to sign whatever wavier she wanted absolving her of any responsibility, but she wouldn't move on her stance. She's a dolt and I don't really care for her. I'm looking for a new doc.