I am thinking about starting actual hormones, but I don't know how to go about it. Do I just talk to my regular doctor or do I need to go to a specialist?  I've been taking basic extra strength estro pills but I don't really know how safe it is and I really think it's just time I go get on actual hormones and possibly testosterone blockers. Any suggestions and helpnis appreciated,  I'm new to this so I'm sorry if This is a repetitive Topic or anything.

Hi Hon,

A lot depends where you are. In general you need a medical referral to access hormones and they should be administered under the supervision of an experienced medic. There are very significant health issues associated with going on HRT, the most severe is probably blood clots which can rapidly lead to death, or worse.

The most common model nowadays is informed consent. In this you will have a few interviews with the gender specialist, one to find out if you have any other problems that need to be tackled, for example, many TG people have some degree of PTSD due to our lives of being bullied etc and it is important to find way to deal with this.

You are then given detailed information about what HRT will do to you physically and mentally, you visit an endocrinologist who starts you off on a dose regime to block T and boost E and monitor you take make sure nothing is going wrong.

In some places there is more involved psychiatric evaluation, which can be a real pain.

The process is well explained in the Standards of Care 7 (SOC7). Available from www.wpath.org and is also in the wiki section here.

Please don't self medicate, it is dangerous and over the counter pills etc are usually totally useless as far as our needs are concerned and you just waste time and money.

As Cindy said don't self medicate its dangerous and you need to have your blood levels monitored. If it's herbals you are referring to, well don't waste your money!   The exact route and protocol will vary from country to country for hormone treatment.

As mentioned it varies country to country, in some cases a Therapist needs to be involved, some times not where a Medical Dr can prescribe, as long as they have a history in GID care. Also the rules could even change State to State in the US... Which I see you come from.

Either way as Caitlin and Cindy have said... Don't be tempted to self medicate... So dangerous!

L Katy

Should i ask the doctor if they have a history with GID when I go in to discuss anti-depressants on the 1st? Ive never met this one before so i have no idea what they are like. The pills I was taking were herbal. Also I'm from oregon I don't know if that helps at all. I'm just so tired of dealing with life as a male and want to start getting my life situated and turned around the way I want it to be. Thank you all for your concern and help

Herbal is like pez when it comes to hormones, but they still have their issues.  I've seen gender drs ads in Portland I believe, so maybe if you live around there. 
Do you know any other people around you seeing a gender therapist?  Always check their credentials, make sure they meet your expectations to transition.  And last, stop buying herbals unless it's for your salad:)

I sadly dont know any other people who are transgender so i can't really ask anyone about what the best gender therapist is in the area. I was told by a friend that her therapist was a very open person and suggested i see about talking to them but im not sure if that's something you just talk to a regular therapist about.  Does anyone suggest I try a regular thera list until I find a gender therapist?

I would say not. Some therapists have no experience in gender issues. You need one that has.
Is there a LGBT resource centre in Oregon that might be able to suggest someone?

Don't worry, the fact that you are now thinking about this means you are starting positive change!

Hi Abbi,

You can go to Psychology Today and find a gender therapist, hopefully in your area. If not use Skype or face to face.

Oregon is an informed consent state. You can google informed consent Oregon MTF and get a lot of trans hits.

You are not alone. There are a lot of trans and I can reassure you there are plenty in Oregon.

Thank you everybody I am so grateful for all the advice and things you suggested. Cynthia, thank you I will try gogling that and see if i have any luck
I live in Molalla which is about an hour from Portland but the problem is that its such a hassle since I don't drive, maybe I can find something closer to Oregon city which is only 20 mins away