Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I have physical tomorrow with a new doctor. My old doctor quit his practice. I get my HRT through PP... I have to tell the doctor I'm on hrt. What's the best way to tell them on hrt, and transgender? I know doctors see and hear all sorts of crazy things, but I'm nervous to bring it up.

With me, there is usually a nurse visit before the doctor comes in. The nurse checks vital signs and asks about medication. Just tell them your meds. You don't have to explain. If they ask why, then tell them it is treatment for gender dysphoria. That should be the end of that discussion unless the doctor needs more information.

Good luck.

@Alana Ashleigh

The advice from  @Lori Dee is right on. 

Wishing you well with your doctor visit tomorrow.... 
....only if you feel comfortable doing, please keep us all updated. 

    Success and happiness !!!!

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Hi Alana

Feeling nervous before meeting a new doctor is completely normal.  Here are a few approaches that have worked for me over the years.  Take whatever feels useful and leave the rest.

Lead with your medication history
At my very first appointment decades ago I presented as female, had breast forms in but did not show them or my chest.  The doctor knew what I was and what I needed so no physical examination was required.  I explained that I was already taking estrogen.  Sharing your current prescription and any recent blood work lets the doctor see that this is established care rather than something new.

Choose (or change to) a clinician who knows the field
Recently I sought out a physician who specialises in my medical condition.  At the first visit I simply handed over my surgical letter and full history.  Because she treats many patients on hormone therapy she could focus on routine monitoring without extra gatekeeping.  If you have the option finding a doctor experienced in this area can reduce stress.

Answer identity questions in your own words
Only one doctor has ever asked how I identify.  I told her, "I am female." You can keep it that straightforward if that matches how you see yourself.  You might also add, "I prefer not to be recorded as transgender given the current climate." Medical records do not need to carry labels you reject.

State the key fact plainly
You can open the conversation with a sentence such as: "I am mindful of privacy given the current climate surrounding transgender issues.  I prefer to share only what is clinically necessary.  I take hormone replacement therapy and I need ongoing prescriptions and monitoring."

That single statement tells the doctor what matters: current treatment and continuing care.  If you do not wish to discuss labels you can say so politely and steer back to medical needs.

Practical tips for the appointment

• Bring a printed list of all medications and dosages
• Have copies of past lab results if available
• Note any side effects or concerns to discuss
• If you have a surgery letter or specialist report take that along

Doctors are used to many situations and clear information helps them give the safest care.  If a physician seems unfamiliar with hormone management ask for a referral to an endocrinologist or a clinic that routinely handles this kind of therapy.  Above all keep communication open so your treatment stays consistent and well monitored.

Wishing you a smooth appointment tomorrow and steady progress with your dreams.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Alana Ashleigh

Hi Alana

I agree with Lori, however if the nurse asks why?  I would say, "I prefer to keep that private and discuss it with the doctor."

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Lori @Alana Ashleigh

Everything went very well. The nurse didn't ask any questions about my hrt meds. The doctor asked why I was on those meds, I told her why. She asked if I had a support system for being transgender. She said she could take care of any prescriptions if I need refills on them, and then told me that they offer gender affirming care, if I wanted to use it.

@Alana Ashleigh

Dear Alana:
Thank you for sharing your followup report regarding your visit to your doctor today.

      Really good news...  you couldn't ask for a better outcome.

HUGS, and more HUGS,
Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Quote from:  link=msg=2309874 date=1752503201Everything went very well. The nurse didn't ask any questions about my hrt meds. The doctor asked why I was on those meds, I told her why. She asked if I had a support system for being transgender. She said she could take care of any prescriptions if I need refills on them, and then told me that they offer gender affirming care, if I wanted to use it.

Quote from: Alana Ashleigh on Yesterday at 09:26:41 AMEverything went very well. The nurse didn't ask any questions about my hrt meds. The doctor asked why I was on those meds, I told her why. She asked if I had a support system for being transgender. She said she could take care of any prescriptions if I need refills on them, and then told me that they offer gender affirming care, if I wanted to use it.

Yay! That is awesome news! Thank you for sharing.

Thanks, Alana, for asking such a critical question. And thanks to Lori, Danielle and Sarah for such eloquent and thorough answers. Before ending our therapy, my VA therapist asked if she could inform my primary at VA that I started HRT. I reluctantly said 'yes'. Based on previous interactions over the past several years, I'm concerned my current primary is at best ambivalent and at worst antagonistic to the trans identity. I can relate to your anxiety and am so glad things went so well. 

Hi Alana

You said,

Quote from: Alana Ashleigh on Yesterday at 09:26:41 AMEverything went very well. The nurse didn't ask any questions about my hrt meds. The doctor asked why I was on those meds, I told her why. She asked if I had a support system for being transgender. She said she could take care of any prescriptions if I need refills on them, and then told me that they offer gender affirming care, if I wanted to use it.

Thank you for telling us how your appointment went, it was great news to hear as Lori and Danielle said.  I can sense the joy in you, on how well the appointment went.

Take and all the best for the future

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Alana Ashleigh @Lori Dee @Northern Star Girl