Quote from: LexiDreamer on November 13, 2017, 07:37:22 PM
Then she looked at me and said "I don't know what you're complaining about, you look like you're doing pretty well for being a man."

OMG... your whole experience sounds like a nightmare, but especially this part!!!! I feel very fortunate that I found the GP I have.  On my very first visit, she asked my preferred gender pronouns- even though I was clearly presenting as male at the time.  I think I'm even more persuaded now to stick with her rather than risk forging a new relationship with someone who may be less sensitive to trans issues.


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Yeah...
And I've only ever presented as Lexi to her.
I introduced myself as "Lexi" from the beginning and was clearly offended when she "sir-ed" me.

It was a very demeaning and belittling experience.

Luckily I was able to get the IM Estradiol Valerate prescription from my primary care center after I told them about the horrible experience I had with the endocrinologist they referred me too.

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Fear of what you posted is part of the reason I just went with the doctor I did, as she runs a purely trans-centric practice out of Atlanta doing telemedicine to most of the southeast (where there aren't many local specialists pretty much anywhere apparently...). She is a GP, but her experience with HRT is probably well beyond 99% of endos.

Quote from: AnonyMs on November 11, 2017, 08:04:20 PM
I think its about managing risk. If there's any problems an endo is more likely to notice and properly manage it than a GP.

Only if they monitor more aggressively.  Keeping drug levels within a therapeutic range is basic medical management.  You certainly don't need an endocrinologist--just a careful practitioner.

I'm not anti-endocrinologist at all.  I personally see one because I am given that option within my health system and I appreciate his service.  Still, if the question is whether this is absolutely necessary versus another physician experienced in providing and monitoring medications, I'd say no.

I just work with an NP at Planned Parenthood in Portland, who's super enthusiastic and friendly about transitioning; in fact everyone there couldn't be more welcoming.  Last time it took about 1 1/2 hours to get to see her, they were just swamped, and we just plowed through a whole mess of questions about how I was progressing, and then bumped my E up a titch.  It was just like visiting any other doc, really.  I'd like to sign on with an endo if I can get on a better insurance plan.  Would you gals recommend working with an endo if you're going for pellets or shots?  My NP can supply those as well, but was curious.

I'd recommend seeing an endocrinologist if there was an unexpected and/or unexplained turn of events during the (highly) routine process of managing your hormone levels.  Endocrinologists don't usually spend their training or professional time managing HRT for transsexuals.  Odds are, unless your endocrinologist is highly involved in a comprehensive transgender medicine program, he or she is likely learning on the job. 

Quote from: Lucy Ross on November 14, 2017, 12:07:33 AM
I just work with an NP at Planned Parenthood in Portland, who's super enthusiastic and friendly about transitioning; in fact everyone there couldn't be more welcoming.  Last time it took about 1 1/2 hours to get to see her, they were just swamped, and we just plowed through a whole mess of questions about how I was progressing, and then bumped my E up a titch.  It was just like visiting any other doc, really.  I'd like to sign on with an endo if I can get on a better insurance plan.  Would you gals recommend working with an endo if you're going for pellets or shots?  My NP can supply those as well, but was curious.

I'd take "super enthusiastic and friendly about transitioning" over an endo any day.
I really don't think endo's are versed in transition. Sure they're knowledgeable about hormones, but not knowledgeable about what makes for positive transition results. They're primary focus is to keep people's hormones in check, not inducing female puberty in adults.
Remember, the bulk of their patients are diabetics.
What we are doing... that is cutting off our natal reproductive hormones and flooding our bodies with estradiol, goes against "normal" physiology and medical practice. They just view us as "high risk" patients.

If you have other underlying health concerns, than seeing a endo probably makes sense. But for transition, you want the GP or NP that wants to help you transition.


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My Therapist and Doctor will monitor my transition process.

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I got lucky. I have a fantastic endo who has thousands of trans patients, two decades of experience and is very flexible. He didn't say anything much when I told him I wanted a transitioning level of HRT, but had no intention of ever socially transitioning. It doesn't get any better than that.

The main thing is to find someone good. An endo has a potential advantage, but only if they are good. There's doctors, and no doubt endo's that I'd never go to, no matter what.