I took oral E (self medicated) for a year, found out I had colon cancer (stage 4!).  Stopped all HRT.  Went on Chemo for a little over two years, then radiation...which ended it.  Been clean for more than two years.  Started self medicating E again and added progestin and anti-androgen in Dec.  Found a Primary Dr. a few months ago and told her about the new WPATH SOC indicating she could do it, if she felt comfortable assessing the behavioral health, as well as the medical health:

QuoteAs noted in section VII of the
SOC,the presence of coexisting mental health concerns
does not necessarily preclude access to fem-
inizing/masculinizing hormones; rather, these
concerns need to be managed prior to, or
concurrent with, treatment of gender dysphoria.
In selected circumstances, it can be accept-
able practice to provide hormones to patients
who have not fulfilled these criteria. Examples
include facilitating the provision of monitored
therapy using hormones of known quality as
an alternative to illicit or unsupervised hormone
use or to patients who have already established
themselves in their affirmed gender and who
have a history of prior hormone use.

She agreed, and has been prescribing for me ever since.

Came out to my oncologist today, and he was very supportive.  He also told me that my HRT will NOT have any affect on the status of my cancer now, or in the future.  Which was a major concern for me.

So, IMHO, no, therapy is not required to do HRT.  Necessary?  That depends on the individual and the circumstances.

My 2¢

Hi Hailey,

Quote from: XxHaileyxX on May 06, 2013, 11:36:52 AM
Here is something else i was wondering about. Like she knows she is a girl and all, but has never had counseling. She she get some, or just do the informed consent methood. She seems to be quite sure of what she wants

In answer to your question; No. It's not necessary.

However, HRT is a general starting point for transition. Transition is a MAJOR life changing event, and there's more to it than "being quite sure of what she wants"

It's on about a proportional scale to that of an iceberg. 90% of it is submerged and you never see it, till it's too late.

If you want to end up a train wreck going through transition on a DIY scholarship; and there are plenty of examples in here alone to serve as a constant reminder of the labyrinth we walk; then, No you don't need therapy.

But if you want the best for and out of yourself, and to embrace the absolutely awesome future that awaits you, then take advantage of a life skill that can take you places you never thought possible.

Sure sh*t is going to happen, sometime or other. Therapy is a great insurance policy in minimising the collateral damage.

Just spend time in here, reading of the accounts of those that chose the DIY method. Speaks for itself.

Transition is not something you can "nickel and dime" Nor is it a smorgasbord. (I'll take a bit of this and a bit of that  - sorry. It's an all encompassing, life changing deal)  You're worth more than that.

Huggs
Catherine

Quote from: LadyTeresa on May 08, 2013, 07:49:13 AM
I'm not sure that therapy is needed for all of us who make this journey.  I spent over a year visiting a therapist twice a month at first and then once a month and I feel it was a waste of time.  The only thing I got out of the 'therapy' was one of my letters of recommendation for surgery.

Yay, Lady Teresa !!! 

Forcing us all to buy a recommendation letter is downright extortion.  Legal extortion, of course.  Doesn't change the reality.

'Professionals' get all huffy when one mentions money... especially the lack of money.  One gets thrown back like a fisherman throwing back a too small fish...

Started a new thread to discuss the money aspects, at https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,140268.new.html ...

Cheers,
Karla

There are good reasons for avoiding the do-it-yourself route.  Medical reasons.  Legal reasons.  Psychological reasons.

The moderators on this site understand the quandary in which some members find themselves.  But we will never advocate DIY when alternatives exist.

Each individual has the right to decide if they want therapy or not.  I understand "informed consent" is also available.

But as for Susan's Place, it is our policy that you have therapy and get a letter for HRT.

Self medicating is dangerous and not accepted here.

All members are asked to review the TOS and rules to live by This thread is locked.