Quote from: Kelly the Trans-Rebel on January 15, 2013, 07:38:30 AM
Endo is unlikely to treat you without a referral from a therapist.. An assessment by a therapist is still needed under the new SoC's.

Nope, missed a few of the things my gyno checks.. And unless you actually know how to read them, you are not getting any real benefit..

None of the Melbourne-based therapists I spoke to wanted me to have any RLE prior to hormones - this was mid-2010. The last 2 versions of the Standards of Care had no requirements for RLE before hormones. I can't comment further back than that, I've never read them. I'm pretty sure I could pick up my phone tomorrow and find a therapist to start out with - one that doesn't require anything before hand. How many have you actually spoken to? Or are you trying to avoid seeing a therapist because you are not actually a trans person?

EDIT: I've also never had an issue with my libido - while I was on an anti-androgen or not.. Yes, it's changed - but I'm still more than interested and still capable.

I've only contacted one on the list in Melbourne. No, I do not live my life as a female but that is not why I am "avoiding" contacting someone. It's just that the people I have contacted have not been willing to help so you start to lose hope and become disheartened. I had an issue with my libido as soon as I started taking anti-androgens. I will contact someone else on the list tomorrow and also call the endo.

How many hits did you get when you googled gender therapist in Melbourne? I got heaps!!

One? Seems hard work is not your thing.. Maybe hormones and transition are not for you either?


Sorry if I seem a little harsh, but people like you are the reasons the rules end up harder for all.. Even those of us who follow the process.

It seems parts of Melbourne are pretty conservative in treatment modalities at this point in time.  I live in Sydney, and I'm a non-transitioner at this point in time due to various factors which I won't go into in this thread.

In any case, I'm on low dose HRT and my prescribing endo is comfortable with what we're doing.  My endo is aware that I don't intend to transition at this point in time.  If I'm not mistaken, RLE for a year prior to HRT may still be the practice in some parts of the UK under the NHS scheme.

Mikidiki, as you're in Australia, my honest opinion is that there really shouldn't be any reason why you're not under full medical care for your treatment.  There's sufficient medical safety net (thank the budget black hole that is Medicare) that you should be able to access the professional help that you need.  Other Aussie members of this forum have already mentioned the risks of going it alone, and although I like to DIY, this sort of thing isn't worth the risk in light of what you can get access to IMHO.

A final aside, if what's happening to your libido when your on an anti-androgen is upsetting to you, that can be a sign that full transition may not be the best thing for you.  I hope that you're getting some form of therapy to sort out your feelings before you get too far along.

I hope I didn't sound mean, but I do like to see people do the best that they can for their health.

Quote from: spacial on January 15, 2013, 07:00:50 AM
Seriously?

You do what your own Dr has told you to do, unless you're a total fool.

Mine was just an old doctors' joke... I don't think I deserve your comment.. . :-(