I saw my therapist today, and I have some concerns, he suggested I get my T out of country possibly without a prescription, I told him I didn't feel comfortable doing that. He said its because no doctor here will prescribe T to me even with a letter because T isn't "medically necessary". He suggested Dr. McGinn of the Papillon Center the last time I saw him, but I emailed her and she didn't reply. I'll try to call her and see what she can do for me while my therapist works on putting my therapy letter together.
Anyway, I was wondering, it sounds to me that most of you go see a therapist, get your letter then go to your PCD to get referred to an Endo who then prescribes T. Is this correct, if not how do I start HRT the proper way?
Your therapist's response is weird, bordering on negligence. LOTS of doctors will prescribe your T. To think you have to go all the way to Dr. McGinn is ludicrous. She focuses on surgery, not hormones.
I'm sure it's easier to get T prescribed by doctors who have previous trans clients, and it might make it easier for you if you seek those out. But it is NOT a rare thing confined to small regions of the country.
The idea that your therapist would cite "not medically necessary" as the reason doctors would uniformly use to deny you is ... again... bordering on negligence on the part of your therapist. Just about the worst advice you could receive is to start your HRT by self-medication without a doctor's supervision.
It sounds like you need to do some research on doctors in your area with trans experience. Don't rely on that therapist for any advice on the matter.
diana depends on where he is if he's in a small town or rural area his therapist maybe just being pragmatic in saying no doctor here will prescribe T and he may be right depending on the views of those doctors. its possible the therapist has already had issues with these doctors. i would check for doctors maybe further away from you or a larger city if the small town theory is correct Diana is correct in saying that any doctor can do it you just need to find one that will.
jessica
Yes Diana, I found what my therapist was saying strange too, and I definitely will not be starting HRT without supervision. Jesse, my town is kinda small but I'm willing to travel to nearby larger cities. I currently live in Northern Florida and I need help finding a doctor that will prescribe HRT. I did find one endo online who works in my town but I have yet to call and find out if he deals with transsexuals.
can i ask the nearest city to you
jessica
The closest major city is Tallahassee, FL.
Nancy M Wright, MD
1804 MICCOSUKEE COMMONS DR #210
TALLAHASSEE, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 656-3361
endocrinologest who ever your gp is can write the referal or just pull one random from tal area see her then get the referal she is trans exp.
jessica
Thanks that's very helpful, I'll look into that.
...oh btw, how do you find doctors who have trans experience, is there a listing or online resource?
In the US, a doctor can prescribe you any drug for any reason (unless it's a C-I, and even then, they have some liberties). They do not need permission from anyone and your pharmacist need not know the reason for the prescription. 'Off-label' use is quite common.
The advice you got is very odd.
I am so freaking excited, I called an endo in my town and asked if he treats trans patients for HRT and the receptionist says they haven't since she's been working there, but she sees no problem with it!! ;D
Long as the doc feels the same as the receptionist, you are in good. I like my endo, she has been more forthright with me than any doc I have ever had. I hope you have a similar experience.
congrats