The psychiatrist in our area does not see people until they are 18 years of age, and for me that is in a while. Not too long, but an annoying wait. From what a local trans guy has told me, I'm going to need to schedule an appointment for some time after my birthday with a letter to the psychiatrist just about my situation, and letting her know that I will be a legal adult by the time I see her.
However, I was also suggested hormone blockers, to basically prevent any extra feminization (which happens, unfortunately, as we age), but I was unsure about whether they were ever prescribed to people that are post-pubescent. I honestly thought it was only for pre-pubescent children. There is no protocol necessary to obtain the hormone blocker as its effects are entirely reversible, but they were suggested to me just because they could be helpful. And at that, make me feel a little better about having to wait.
Does anyone know anything about these "hormone blockers", what they do, and whether they are indeed prescribed to post-pubescent individuals?
The 2 hormone blocking options for FtM peeps (when T isn't an option yet) are anti estrogens (which are usually used as part of cancer treatment, kinda nasty drugs IIRC) and a GnRH antagonist class drug. (which basically shuts the works down, very effective, and expensive)
As far as RX'ing procedure, I'm guessing that's an issue more with the prescribing physician then anything else. (hope that was helpful)
edit: it might be handy if i said the drug names... (i'll edit later when i can see 100%)
depends on if you're a late bloomer or not. if you got your period and bras at like 12, i doubt there'll be any real further femininzation. the traditional hormone blockers (L -somethings) for kids are ridiculously expensive and i doubt they'd do anything at this point. i'd just wait for T at this point if it were me. the only thing that might be worth it is birth control to stop the blood.
edit: not gonna ask ages per site guidelines, but that also depends. think the big issue here is whether or not you're still developing. because that could make a difference in the future as to what top surgery you'll need.
Like everyone here has said, hormone blockers are pretty pricey. Unless you've got a parent who's willing to advocate for you, it's unlikely that any doctor is going to prescribe them to a minor.
Well, I don't know whether they are worth anything to begin with. However, obviously women's breasts do grow for quite some time after adolescence. (Not a nice thought). But is a year so significant? I sure hope it isn't - I lost a lot of weight recently and my chest size went down with the rest of me and I don't want any further growth, obviously.
I also don't have prominent hips. I don't want them to become more prominent. I did start puberty early, though.
So, would it be more helpful just to wait for T?
yeah. the money you'd spend on anything else other than T probably wouldn't be worth the investment. save it for T. by the time you'd get on anything else, you'd be ready for T anyway. if you can't stand it, birth control is fairly cheap to stop the bleeding in the meantime.
Birth control doesn't make any sense. The hormones in it trick your body into thinking that you're pregnant, so while you don't get your period you get increased feminization- breast growth, widening of hips, etc.
I have a friend who is a dr. she did put a younger trans guy on blockers since his parents would not let him go on T yet. This way he did not have to go through puberty as a female.
Myles
If only I was pre-pubescent. No, I really don't think blockers will be much of a worry. The annoying thing about getting T...? I know lots of people who have gotten it at a younger age than me. And yet, there are no resources here. No one locally who will see an "adolescent". What is particularly annoying is the fact that I don't have the emotional baggage or family problems that are associated with adolescent transgendered people.
I can almost understand why people would go on "DIY" hormone therapy.
Here = where? I'm pretty good at finding resources for people.
DIY is completely understandable to me. I'd have probably gone that route if I was unable to find adequate medical care and probably will if I ever lose access to it.
Honestly, as long as one isn't stupid about it, DIY isn't dangerous and I, too, would go that route if there were no options for me. Without a question.
Here = a bump on the road in Canada. Regina, Saskatchewan and the surrounding area. Unfortunately, anywhere of any significance is 8 hours or more away from us. Good luck, and if you could help, I'd be really grateful.
Quote from: Nero on July 05, 2009, 05:33:28 AM
... if you got your period and bras at like 12, i doubt there'll be any real further femininzation....
Jeeeez I developed early.