I am a Transman who wants to start hormone therapy. I am 23 years of age but the challenges I face are 1. where to go (trans friendly places) 2. the price. I live in between Akron and Cleveland Ohio and was wondering if any of you guys have insurance that covers your cost or how much you pay out of pocket? 3. Do I have to do therapy? if so any recommendations
Also I am dealing with anxiety about starting T and my family is usually supportive but I haven't told them just my friends so if anyone could give me some advice on how you told you elder family members I would appreciate it gladly.
All my friends are Cisgender or Lesbians so I am taking this journey alone and am beginning to feel alone through this process so any positive vibes and advice will really help. Thank you
Also need advice and help with Binders and Packers (YouTube only helps so much)
Hi Ari! Welcome here :) I'm not from your area, so no recommendations there, but make sure you check out the ftm forum (it's under "transsexual talk") -- lots of info there concerning binders and packers!
I yet have to come out to my family, so I cannot give any useful advice concerning that too.
Anyway, you're not alone! This is a great community and you'll find lots of support! Looking forward to seeing you around :).
Thank you Adrian I have really been feeling alone lately. I'm actually new to lots of this so knowing there are others going through the same thing is helpful ;D
I feel the same way! For me, it "clicked" back in August, so I have lots of figuring out to do still ;).
I think some of the ftm folks mainly use the ftm board -- so you if you don't get enough responses here, definitely go there for more specific advice!
There's also a forum for introductions and one for coming out of the closet. I'm on tapatalk, so posting links is a bit of a pain. But you'll find the board if you browse the page a little :).
Quote from: FTM-Ari on November 17, 2014, 10:44:22 PM
I am a Transman who wants to start hormone therapy. I am 23 years of age but the challenges I face are 1. where to go (trans friendly places) 2. the price. I live in between Akron and Cleveland Ohio and was wondering if any of you guys have insurance that covers your cost or how much you pay out of pocket? 3. Do I have to do therapy? if so any recommendations
Also I am dealing with anxiety about starting T and my family is usually supportive but I haven't told them just my friends so if anyone could give me some advice on how you told you elder family members I would appreciate it gladly.
All my friends are Cisgender or Lesbians so I am taking this journey alone and am beginning to feel alone through this process so any positive vibes and advice will really help. Thank you
Also need advice and help with Binders and Packers (YouTube only helps so much)
First, welcome! There is a wealth of useful information and helpful people here. I am sure you will find a lot of great stuff to help you out in people's responses to this and other threads.
I don't live anywhere near you, so I can't offer specific insight or experience, but found these with a quick search:
- LGBT clinic in Cleveland: http://www.metrohealth.org/mccafferty (http://www.metrohealth.org/mccafferty)
- LGBT support network in Akron that could help you find resources: http://www.canapi.org/default.aspx (http://www.canapi.org/default.aspx)
Insurance options vary by state, and pricing can be different at every pharmacy in town. A good way to get a baseline for your area is to download the GoodRx app on your phone and search for the type of testosterone you're planning to pursue (injectable/gel/etc.).
Therapy will depend on what your goals are. If you just want hormones and no surgery, you could get those without therapy. I believe there are a few top surgeons in the world that will do their thing without a letter from a therapist. Bottom surgery can't be obtained without therapy.
I have only ever used Underworks binders, and will probably not ever buy anything but those. They are well-made, as comfortable as a binder can be, and not terribly expensive. I am currently waiting on a packer to arrive, so can't really speak to that at the moment.
There are lots of folks here who are more informed than I am, and I'd be shocked if we didn't have someone else in Ohio. For a lot of the things you're wondering about, head over to the FTM board and its sub-boards. Lots of good information there.