I still have a few months to see the GIC and have been offered the means to self-medicate...

I've turned it down so far as I'm bipolar and don't wanna trigger an episode.

Would self-medding on T potentially cause a lot of issues?

Taking HRT without the supervision of a qualified physician is dangerous for many reasons.   Having your levels monitored throughout your transition is needed to ensure that your health is maintained.  Self-medding is like playing Russian roulette, and we at Susan's Place cannot condone it.

It's only a few months to wait and you have the rest of your life ahead of that to enjoy to the fullest.   Trust me, it's worth the wait.   If something goes wrong by self-medding, your HRT could potentially be delayed or denied.   

Hang in there!
~Jill

Taking any normally prescribed medication, especially a scheduled one, without Dr supervision is a really bad idea.

Hormones of any kind can really screw you up if not done exactly right. If you are bi-polar I would just say double-don't.

Whoever is making you this offer is not a friend and doesn't have your best interests at heart. Patience will out, you'll get there the right way, it just takes a little longer.

Please don't hurt yourself. 

Hormones are not without possible liver damage. There is no way for you to check your levels and you could easily damage yourself. I know its tempting, but even if the hormones that you use without a Dr. are not immediately dangerous, they could come back to bite you later in a way that cannot be fixed.

Follow the rules and find a good Dr. Its the only safe way of  HRT.

Sam1

Best not to. As the others have said it is potentially very dangerous.

Self medicating is never a good idea.   

Self medicating is something to avoid. Aside from the fact that's dangerous, it could later harm your ability to get treated safely by a doctor or get you into legal trouble.

As difficult as it can be, it's best to wait until you can see a doctor.

If all the physical reasons don't dissuade you, I think what Jill said is completely on point:

Quote from: Jill F on February 18, 2015, 05:20:52 PMTrust me, it's worth the wait.   If something goes wrong by self-medding, your HRT could potentially be delayed or denied.   

my uncle isn't trans, but is getting older and decided to take some otc t supplements. long story short it caused him to have a stroke and he needed an emergency quadruple bypass. please do not self medicate....it can be life threatening.

All hormones, especially T, are very powerful.  T will make you feel very different.  As others have said, there are also risks of liver, heart, and blood clotting complications that a physician would monitor.

Ugh... It feels like such a long wait though. I made my referral last August, later found out there's a three year waiting list at my local gender clinic, have re-referred to another in a closer city and it'll be six-seven months.

I just really want these changes. I'm tired of the issues it's brought me, of intimacy issues... I just want to be me.

But I have been too scared to self-med... So I will probably wait, as I can't risk a manic episode with work.

Quote from: Peacebone on February 20, 2015, 03:40:30 AM
Ugh... It feels like such a long wait though. I made my referral last August, later found out there's a three year waiting list at my local gender clinic, have re-referred to another in a closer city and it'll be six-seven months.

I just really want these changes. I'm tired of the issues it's brought me, of intimacy issues... I just want to be me.

But I have been too scared to self-med... So I will probably wait, as I can't risk a manic episode with work.

the wait will be worth it, trust me. many of us have had to wait awhile.. a little more won't hurt you

Quote from: Peacebone on February 20, 2015, 03:40:30 AM
Ugh... It feels like such a long wait though. I made my referral last August, later found out there's a three year waiting list at my local gender clinic, have re-referred to another in a closer city and it'll be six-seven months.

I just really want these changes. I'm tired of the issues it's brought me, of intimacy issues... I just want to be me.

But I have been too scared to self-med... So I will probably wait, as I can't risk a manic episode with work.

Waiting is hard. I think all of us have felt that way at some time or another. But, it really is much better to wait. That way you know you will be safe medically and you will have support. Those months fly by, they really do.