Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Tidal_Wave on January 04, 2014, 11:46:27 PM

Title: Endocrinologist postponed
Post by: Tidal_Wave on January 04, 2014, 11:46:27 PM
My endocrinologist appointment was postponed, i am in so much pain, i just want to start hormones already. Ive looked at buying hormones online, but cant find any places. I know taking them without the supervision of a doctor is very dangerous, but i just dont care anymore :/ . What do i do?
Title: Re: Endocrinologist postponed
Post by: Cindy on January 04, 2014, 11:49:08 PM
Wait to see the endocrinologist.

Self medication particularly when you start can be fraught with difficulties. I know! I had a reaction that could have been very serious and I didn't know it was happening. My endo picked it on the first month screen.
Title: Re: Endocrinologist postponed
Post by: amZo on January 05, 2014, 12:01:58 AM
If you're not already doing so, seeing a good counselor can do wonders to alleviate your anxieties. If I were you I would do my best to get in a better place emotionally before starting HRT. When you get to a point that you're not concerned about your health, HRT in this condition is concerning. Starting HRT can cause dramatic changes in your emotional state. My two cents.  :)
Title: Re: Endocrinologist postponed
Post by: Tidal_Wave on January 05, 2014, 12:12:28 AM
I see a psychologist and a psychiatrist. I have my psychiatrists referral to start hrt and to the endocrinologist. but the endocrinologist is the one who will prescribe me with hormones.
I know it's really dangerous, but if i could start now, it's only a month, so the endocrinologist will be able to pick up on any irregularities
Title: Re: Endocrinologist postponed
Post by: Cindy on January 05, 2014, 12:24:03 AM
Quote from: Tidal_Wave on January 05, 2014, 12:12:28 AM
I see a psychologist and a psychiatrist. I have my psychiatrists referral to start hrt and to the endocrinologist. but the endocrinologist is the one who will prescribe me with hormones.
I know it's really dangerous, but if i could start now, it's only a month, so the endocrinologist will be able to pick up on any irregularities

It's only a month so why risk it?
Title: Re: Endocrinologist postponed
Post by: Tidal_Wave on January 05, 2014, 12:31:56 AM
I'm in so much pain, that i feel like i cant even function. One month feels like an eternity
Title: Re: Endocrinologist postponed
Post by: Cindy on January 05, 2014, 12:33:22 AM
Call your psychiatrist
Title: Re: Endocrinologist postponed
Post by: Jenny07 on January 05, 2014, 12:50:48 AM
Please listen to Cindy on this as messing with hormones is not to be taken lightly and is very dangerous.

While I feel your pain waiting for a month, that is not all that long in the bigger scheme of things.

The last thing you want is an adverse reaction.

Be strong and talk to your therapist about it please.

Jen
Title: Re: Endocrinologist postponed
Post by: Ms Grace on January 05, 2014, 02:15:16 AM
Yes, I'll second the above...better to wait and do it properly than risk causing yourself problems that might impede your treatment in the long term. I know a month might seem forever but if you're lucky the endo could have a cancellation before then and might be able to squeeze you in, maybe see if that's a possibility. In the meantime look into beard removal and other such things, that might help you feel like you're moving forward and take your mind off the wait.
Title: Re: Endocrinologist postponed
Post by: TessaMarie on January 05, 2014, 02:32:40 AM
I found myself in a similar position in April/May of last year.

I was pretty much told the same as what the previous posters have said:  Wait for the appointment.  Count the days, or even the hours, if it comes to it, but wait for the appointment.

Fortunately for me, my Urologist is trans-friendly.  When I saw her for my scheduled appointment at the start of May, she prescribed an anti-androgen for my already existing (if somewhat minor) prostate issues.  That was the first (& so far only) time I have ever been grateful to have encountered prostate trouble in my mid-20s.

I can attest to the fact that self-medicating can be dangerous.  I landed myself in the ER by self-medicating in January 2013.  Don't do what I did.
Title: Re: Endocrinologist postponed
Post by: EmmaD on January 05, 2014, 03:27:34 AM
Quote from: Ms Grace on January 05, 2014, 02:15:16 AM
Yes, I'll second the above...better to wait and do it properly than risk causing yourself problems that might impede your treatment in the long term. I know a month might seem forever but if you're lucky the endo could have a cancellation before then and might be able to squeeze you in, maybe see if that's a possibility. In the meantime look into beard removal and other such things, that might help you feel like you're moving forward and take your mind off the wait.

This is good advice.  My Psychiatrist cancelled twice but made up for it later by fitting me in when things were tight. His receptionist was very aware that they had cancelled on me at short notice and were considerate of scheduling issues after that. My response is always ask to be called if there is a cancellation.  Still frustrating since we were very close to the HRT sign-off but I just carried on enjoying weekly electrolysis! :o  Progress was still being made.

Hair, voice , style, make-up etc.  Lots to do.

Title: Re: Endocrinologist postponed
Post by: Tidal_Wave on January 05, 2014, 04:28:02 AM
Im thinking of going on a meal replacement drink, to start slimming down, since i am currently pretty muscular
Title: Re: Endocrinologist postponed
Post by: Tidal_Wave on January 05, 2014, 04:29:24 AM
i might try and get my psychiatrist to prescribe hormones for me, or at least see what he can do
Title: Re: Endocrinologist postponed
Post by: Cindy on January 05, 2014, 04:34:55 AM
Good girl!
Title: Re: Endocrinologist postponed
Post by: Hideyoshi on January 09, 2014, 01:57:59 PM
Don't risk it to save a month. Buying hormones online from unregulated pharmacies that fill the meds with gods know what is not worth it. You could be buying expired medication, wrong dosages, etc. Call your psychiatrist and discuss how you feel. A month goes by quicker than it feels sometimes