I ask this because I have a friend who said to make sure I get the "required year of therapy" before starting HRT? Is there a too soon?

This may be a weird intro post but she is a close friend and it concerned me because she's really intellegent yet I've noticed some things she has esposed that are...not...true.

My name is Cassie. I'm 32, still pre-everything and it took about a month and a half before I even found the specialist therapists as my previous therapist admitted that he isn't trained in trans issues. He was really great though. He helped in finding resources and helping while I found a specialist. I found one and she's even recommended by other professionals I have spoken with. My HRT start "goal" is end of year. If I have to hang on an additional month, that's fine. However both therapists (one didn't accept my insurance) I met with in person have said starting HRT by about year end is not unreasonable. I just....don't think I can make another year as is. This isn't something new. I just haven't really explored this as I never thought there was another option for me. I just accepted the last 20 years. First real idea that something was up was at 13. I just tried and failed to be the "coolguy" everyone wanted me to be. Failed miserably.

Everyone has been so suppoortive and I consider myself super lucky for that. But my mom and friend seem to think...I'm going to fast? I don't think I am. Others don't seem to think I am. I do want to do everything right, keep myself healthy. I'm going to see my therapist during the process. That was also a recommendation.

My situation has just been so unique from what I've researched. Any input would be appreciated. Sorry if this was a hot mess.

There is no set amount of therapy for HRT by WPATH standards. The therapist gives you the letter when both of you agree that you're ready, or, you go to an informed consent clinic do it without therapy at all.

Welcome to Susan's Place. I had years of unneeded therapy before I started HRT and the hormones acted so slow it took years before I was even a AA cup. A little therapy before HRT is a good thing so you understand what you will be facing but it's not possible with therapy to discover where the feelings come form or alter them. Therapy may help you deal with the emotional baggage you have accumulated over the years, but it's not a reason to delay HRT.

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Hey  Cassie.

I´m in a similar boat as you.
I´m 28, and I´ve had dysphoria since I was a teen, but I just didn´t realize back then that it had a name.

My family also thinks I´m moving "too quickly" but that´s simply because they never felt what I did and I never talked about it. When I told them about it, I had already made a decision, so they didn´t witness the whole process. That´s why for them it´s "too fast".

In my country they require a minimum of 5-10 talks with a therapist (one talk a month so amounts to half a year to a year, and a waiting time of four months for the talks). I think that´s a good thing, but I´ve got to say after 28 years of being a gender I felt awkward with, it would be nice to get a letter sometime soon. Not going to happen though.

Maybe you can explain to your family that they missed out on everything you felt throughout your life, so they can see that for you it´s not too soon at all.