I'm going to see my primary dr soon what do I have to tell him to start HRT and who do I have to see or get referrals for? Like what doctors?
Where I live (Oklahoma) my PCP referred me to a gender therapist first. After three months I was given a letter for HRT and then went to an Endocrinologist who then does the lab work and prescribes HRT. A word of warning though, it is not an easy or short process. Here it is around 4-5 months from your first therapist appointment before you can start HRT. Do not expect to get any HRT meds on your first appointment. Also to help shorten the time it is very wise to go to the therapist dressed as it shows them you are serious and can handle the pressure's of being in the public. My first day dressed was also my last in any male form. I found it so freeing and real that I went Full Time the same day. I didn't have one bad experience either that day and I was on our state's biggest University campus (where my therapist is) at noon when everyone is out and about. I also ate by myself at the hotspot food place (Eskimo Joe's) with no problems or disrespect from anyone. It was so cool! Good luck in your new journey! :)
Quote from: Jessica Merriman on January 19, 2014, 07:07:20 AM
Good luck in your new journey! :)
Great info Jessica! Thats pretty much everything you need to know from what I've learned. :D
I'm still pre-hrt, however I've been seeing a therapist for two months now. Most of the sessions revolved around how my life would change and how the family is reacting to that (my family is fully aware of who I am and how I have suppressed myself for so long). My therapist is a female and I strongly recommend finding a female therapist instead of male (just my opinion, mainly for less bias and more understanding). She has never asked me to wear female clothes to her sessions. Though I've heard of other therapists requiring it.
The idea of going to work dressed was brought up once; however I expressed how I wished to wait until I appeared more fem before attempting such. Perhaps around seven to twelve months? One of the frequent questions in the beginning was how often I dressed and how long I have felt this way. The answer to that was it started as a few little things around age ten and once I moved out of my parents home at age nineteen it instantly became a everyday thing at home. Which lead to the question of "have you been out in public dressed?", yes but I never left the car. I would just go to a drive through some place and that was all.
If it wasn't for two new female friends recently made at work. I honestly would of never walked in public dressed! They were kind enough to take me to a mall and help pick out some clothes. Which was truly a blast, every minute was soooo fun. :laugh: But the best part was.. not one person walking in the mall stared me down or really noticed me. It was a complete 180 from what I expected to happen! In the stores I did get a few odd looks because I had no makeup on :P ( I have learned from that mistake!) and I mainly blame my man nose for any of those looks. :eusa_liar:. lol But anyway, I told my therapist about my adventure and she seems to support me more than before. I think it really helped to convince her that I am serious about my feelings. ;)
As for a time frame, its going to be atleast three months of therapy and with my insurance its $20 out of pocket per weekly visit. (cheap but it adds up...) Without insurance this therapist charges $60 per 45 minute session. ??? So... from what I've learned thus far. On the two month mark of therapy and provided your still sure about HRT. Try to schedule an appointment with an "Endocrinologist", because it may take several months before they will schedule you in. Which is where I am right now. :angel:
I also plan to see my therapist for several more months after starting HRT. We both agreed its an important phase of transition and who knows how much my mental state will change. :o All in all she has been very supportive and she has already said after three months she will sign my recommendation for HRT. She even offered to sign it now, if I can get an appointment made.
Hope this helps and welcome to the forums Sarah :icon_lips: