Just wanted to share some of the frustration I have had as I start down the road of HRT. I've been on HRT for two months now, and have had three different doctors in that time. I made an appointment for my first doctor in November of last year, and waited until late February for my appointment with a Planned Parenthood doctor who was very nice, but didn't know anything outside of the three main drugs(Spiro, Progesterone, Estradiol) here in the US. Problem is I have a reaction to Spiro, and she recommended another doctor who it took a month to get in to see. Again very nice, understanding but had no clue when I started asking questions about drugs other than the main three. All in all very frustrating that I couldn't just have a quick call with the doctor to ask a few questions before waiting a month for a first visit.

     Very shortly after that I was recommended an Endocrinologist much closer to where I live, and again waited a month for a first visit. And it was very much like a goldilocks story, as this was seemed to be just right. He knew what he was talking about, had attended conferences on the topics at hand and had several things to say about how we could proceed. It was an amazing feeling talking to a doctor who knew more on the subject than I did from my months of Google and medical journals. Which is to say I knew enough to be dangerous, and he knew enough to make me feel safe.

     I am now on Estradiol injections, and just started Lupron today. And while I am now happy, I really feel like this could have been avoided if I had been able to spend five minutes "Interviewing" these doctors before I waited months to see them, only to be disappointed. Anyway, rant ended.

Hi Fluidflux,

I'm Jeanette, self appointed unofficial greeter for Susan"s Place. Glad to have you here, Welcome, welcome.. Come on in and be comfortable. I am mtf too and I'm 64 on hrt also.  Navigation the medical profession can definitely be frustrating and I agree with you. Sometimes it would be really nice to pick up a phone and get to talk to a doctor whenever you needed to. I haven't had the problems that you've had. I'm with the VA and though there have been many horror stories I cannot say they have applied to me.  They've been very responsive for me. I did wait just over a month to get an initial mental health assessment before getting an appointment with a gender therapist but that was acceptable to me. My primary doctor had already ordered my HRT meds for me.

  I'm sorry your experience took more time but it sounds like you finally are getting the kind of care you were after.
Hey, come on back and do an introduction so we can get to know you better and join the family here.

  Hugs,
    Jeanette

Fluidflux, everyone reacts differently and doctors have no way of knowing how you will react tell your on the medication. It does happen though. My Aunt, who transition too, couldn't take spriro either. I dealt with two different endo offices before getting on HRT. The key is you have the right one for your situation and that is important in the long run. Hugs
Mariah

Welcome to Susan's Place. To me you are speeding right along. It took me over 4 years to burn through three therapist and almost that long before starting HRT. At least you have access to information far beyond what was available to me now that you have joined the site, you should be able to avoid delays you may encounter in the future. Just let us know if you need help and we will do our best to help you.

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