Hello, I am a 16 year old Trans Girl. I have been on the Anti-Androgen medication, lupron, for almost one year.
I would like to know the criteria for being eligible for estrogen therapy (MTF HRT). Are there certain things I have to do? I have already been diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria (it says so on my printout when I get my Lupron injections.) and have been on the anti-androgen Lupron for almost one year. I am scared of not fitting the criteria if there is one. (Yes, I am aware of the SOC/WPATH but have never actually read a lot of it) I haven't really dressed as my target gender because I am so insecure about my physical look.  I have though proceeded in coming out to many people and going by my chosen name: Sam. I'm really scared of being regected this necessary treatment and having to go on living this painful existence.

Is there any one who knows the criteria for it? Or can send me a link to the SOC? Thank you.

You can just google WPATH SOC, but here it is
http://www.wpath.org/site_page.cfm?pk_association_webpage_menu=1351&pk_association_webpage=3926

I expect the rules will vary according to which country you're in. Not every doctor follows the SOC, even when they say they do. It sounds like you fit the criteria as you've already been diagnosed as transgender. I think its more about when you can legal be prescribed HRT (being a minor its more difficult). For diagnosis criteria you'd want to look at the DSM 5.

This will get you started on the DSM 5.
http://www.ifge.org/302.85_Gender_Identity_Disorder_in_Adolescents_or_Adults

Why not have a chat with the doctor who as prescribed your anti-androgen medication. If they've diagnosed you with GID and are prescribing you an anti-androgen then they are presumably onside with estrogen if it is legal for them to prescribe it to you. The greatest stumbling block may be your age and whether they can prescribe to anyone under 18 (with/without parental approval). There's no way they should be withholding treatment if they are legally able to do so because of your "looks". If the issue is you're worried about how you look then you should know that 95% of people do also to one degree or another. If you feel particularly insecure you should chat with a counsellor around building self esteem.

Hi Hon,

I don't know what country you are in but in most places we have to go to the Family Court or its equivalent to put minors on HRT. The Court judges Gillick competence https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gillick_competence

Unfortunately this is expensive and unaffordable for most families even if the lawyers will act pro bono (which many will do for this circumstance).

In Australia we are trying to get this removed for trans*kids and the High Court has indicated that they are very willing to judge such a case and create a precedent that will have international ramifications. We are now a bit stuck in finding a suitable family who are willing to go through this emotional trauma and who can afford it financially.

The good news (if any) is that your medical team will hormonally reassign you at the stroke of you becoming 18, if you so wish.

I feel for you young lady, I really do.

Cindy

Once you're 18, informed consent is usually the preferred model. If you're parents advocate for you, you can get parental informed consent after puberty depending on which country you live in. Usually, a hormone should be administered to replace the one you're blocking to prevent osteoporosis and other bad stuff. I'm not sure, since we don't really know your whole situation, but I'd highly recommend going with a parent to your prescribing physician to request to begin a full hormone replacement regimen.


     Hugs,
- Katie
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This is interesting and timely for me.

My Primary Care Physician is at University of Arizona. She told me that if I was willing, she could be the treating physician for HRT, and essentially sold me with her qualifications and experience.

She 'strongly suggests' a letter from my counselor, but also requires me to sign an 'informed consent' Memorandum in order to begin HRT. Because I really work well with my PCP, I will comply with no questions asked.

What I would do is find a good physician, if you have a choice (I don't know how things work in UK), THEN figure out how to work the system to your benefit.

Cheers!