I made an appointment to the dermatologist due to another skin problem but if I'm already there I ask them about my acne. Should I tell them I take testosterone? I won't tell anything about being trans, some cismen need to take T injections too, but it would be awkward to say that, I'm just 22, I would just skip telling it but I guess it's necessary for them to know(?)

I wouldn't, unless you think it's an allergic reaction to the t they would treat you like a cis male just my 2c no other reason for them to know really

Quote from: Jared on November 20, 2013, 11:05:11 AM
I made an appointment to the dermatologist due to another skin problem but if I'm already there I ask them about my acne. Should I tell them I take testosterone? I won't tell anything about being trans, some cismen need to take T injections too, but it would be awkward to say that, I'm just 22, I would just skip telling it but I guess it's necessary for them to know(?)

Well it's going to lead to questions re: why. Because afaik there are no reasons to take T at certain levels unless your trans. There may be, I just don't know what they are though. Certainly a younger guy taking that high a dose-- well the first thing they'd tell you is to cut down your dose.

--Jay

If you are going to be seeing them as a male, I wouldn't.

Yes, I'm going to be see them as a male and no, I don't think it's allergis reaction to T. Thanks for the answers, I won't mention it.

You prolly should tell.  Yeah it sucks, yeah it might lead to questions. But i doubt they are gonna refuse you or something crazy.  But you dont know how any meds they give you might interact with what you are already taking.

Yeah that's what I exactly thought. I also doubt they refuse me it's just sucks. I'll probably see if they want to put me on meds or just give some tips. Thank you!

Quote from: Jared on November 22, 2013, 10:03:46 AM
Yeah that's what I exactly thought. I also doubt they refuse me it's just sucks. I'll probably see if they want to put me on meds or just give some tips. Thank you!

I will tell you, with testosterone, you have to be extra diligent with washing.  Testosterone causes your skin to secrete more sebum and grease as well as become much thicker.  All of that will lead to acne, not to mention if your levels are too high or flopping around i believe you would also get acne(like in puberty).

I would probably mention the acne during your session with the dermatologist, just as a "while I'm here I just thought I'd ask..." sort of thing.  I probably wouldn't mention that I was taking T unless they specifically asked about any medications or changes which might have brought it on.

The PA I saw did not think it was too high of a dose for a natal male. Some people have none working gonads.

I think you need to tell them.  You are not making T naturally.  Therefore, it is a medication.  Physicians need to know all the reasons someone could have any kind of problem (otherwise he will go looking for other reasons for your acne, as the amount you are taking of testosterone would not necessary be the amount you would have in your system as a natal male at your age).  Plus, as someone else said, it is dangerous for a medication to be prescribed without the physician knowing all of your medications.  He/she needs to know your dose.  Maybe he/she would be willing to not put it in your chart (if that is your concern?).  Don't write it down on the forms when you first get there, but when you see him/her mention it.

I'd tell them because if it's a new thing you've not been treated for prior, they're going to be more focused on finding out why it's started in hopes of stopping it that way instead of knowing the why and trying to find a way to fix it despite that change, because that change is here to stay I'd assume so the challenge is in their hands.  Many things can start acne problems, but in your case the most likely reason is T and since this is a new thing for you that wouldn't be new to the vast majority of males, it's worth mentioning. Cut out the middle man and get to the solution in spite of the cause instead of them wasting time and suggesting things to try in trying to find the cause so as to erradicate it.  You can just say you take T, they won't need to know more so you can get away with saying it's for hypogonadism, that's exactly how mine is recorded in my medical notes. They won't need to know your dose. Taking T only equates you with other males so it won't interfere with meds unless it increases risk in major risk factors like heart, BP or blood. Even if pushed into saying dose you still don't have to out yourself. I saw a video recently with a cis-male who had hypogonadism and a lower T level than I had pre T at only 0.7-0.8!

I'm just not comfortable to talk about this stuff, cause it leads to questions as many of you said but I've also heard that some cismen take T too. I could get away with saying what Jack said, thanks Jack!
And thanks everyone, I see why it is important to tell about it.

Here's another vote for telling: when it comes to your medical care, you want to establish a relationship of trust with your healthcare providers.  If it turns out they react negatively, better to find out sooner than later.  Good luck,

~V.

Good point Valerie, thanks 

Why not share it. If they ask why, say "I have a low T level" because really your not lying lol.