Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: LifeInNeon on May 27, 2011, 12:42:57 AM

Title: Prescription from Primary Care Physician
Post by: LifeInNeon on May 27, 2011, 12:42:57 AM
So in five days I have an appointment with my primary care physician, but I don't see the gender therapist for another couple weeks. I need to see my physician anyway, so putting this off isn't necessary. I also have no idea whether the therapist will be willing to write a letter after the first visit (but after all the hoops I really hope so) and I don't even have an endo lined up yet.

I've been thinking of asking my doc for AA's for now, as something less controversial than the full regimen.

Does anyone have any advice on talking to general practice doctors about this?
Title: Re: Prescription from Primary Care Physician
Post by: Robyn on May 27, 2011, 01:38:10 AM
The stock answer is no HRT until one has his/her hormone authorization letter, which usually takes 3 or more gender counselor visits.

That said, some doctors go by 'informed consent', and it doesn't have to be an endo who prescribes AA or 'mones.

So much depends on whether or not your GP has had other trans patients. And informed consent requires you to be informed about HRT: know about sterility, risks such as thrombosis and liver problems, and the blood tests you will need and why.

Probably won't hurt to ask your GP so long as (1) he/she is not a redneck, and (2) you are familiar enough with the SOC and GID and required lab work to be able to educate him.
Title: Re: Prescription from Primary Care Physician
Post by: LifeInNeon on May 27, 2011, 01:31:42 PM
Indeed, I've been reading as much as I can find about HRT, so I have no concerns about demonstrating I know what I am asking for and consenting to. My non-gender specialist therapist referred me to a specialist for his edification, not mine; he didn't feel confident in assessing things himself(at least confident enough to recommend a prescription) so he recommended me to a former practice partner of his for a one visit double check. But he and I agree that from a treatment aspect, I wouldn't need a therapist but for the expectations of doctors. I have a three year patient history with him already. I've already made arrangements for sperm storage. So, I have a strong case to make on all fronts that I know what I'm in for and I want this.

I'm really just wondering if anyone has experience with this, and what sort of questions GP's get hung up on, and if it's better to ask just for AAs or risk scaring them with asking for the full course.

I am almost certain I will be my doctor's first trans patient. I have no idea whether the internal medicine docs at the clinic have dealt with trans patients before.
Title: Re: Prescription from Primary Care Physician
Post by: pebbles on May 27, 2011, 01:52:52 PM
Mines ignored me. And I've been self medding for 17 months. So no they won't.