Been trying to start HRT for the past year and a half, and even with as much as iv gotten done it feels like im still at square one. Iv found a therapist who can recommend me for HRT, a primary care docter who is trans-friendly, and have even started (Slowly) telling some people. Yet finding an endo in Maryland who can actually get me started still feels like its miles off...

Quote from: Reme on March 23, 2018, 10:58:55 AM
Been trying to start HRT for the past year and a half, and even with as much as iv gotten done it feels like im still at square one. Iv found a therapist who can recommend me for HRT, a primary care docter who is trans-friendly, and have even started (Slowly) telling some people. Yet finding an endo in Maryland who can actually get me started still feels like its miles off...

Reme:  You are starting out the correct way... with a therapist, doctors, etc.  have you actually been to your doctor to specifically discuss beginning HRT?  ....

The reoccurring theme that you read about  in those that are transitioning is that it requires patience.... once on HRT, nothing usually happens as quickly as you will undoubtedly desire.   Sometimes you will start seeing significant changes at about 4 to 6 months then as you continue on with HRT more and more body changes will be apparent.

Let me make this clear however..... every body reacts to HRT diferently and in it's own time.   What you read about other transitioner's HRT timeline will most likely differ from your own body's results..... could be slower, could be faster, could result in more dramatic body changes or could result in less dramatic body changes, but one thing is certain, it will be quite a ride, so hang on tight!!!!!

Best of luck to you and please keep us updated as often as you feel comfortable doing.
Hugs, Danielle

I know every situation is different, I was able to start HRT through my primary care physician.

I have talked to my primary care about it, unfortunately they cant regulate hormones for me.

When I finally came to the realization of what I had to do, I was determined to start the process and initially didn't know HRT from Diddly.

I started researching and googling the Las Vegas area and noticed that the LV LGBT Center had the names of doctors who would prescribe what I learned was HRT.  The major issue was the doctors did not accept insurance and appointments ran at least $200.

I also knew that the VA provided the HRT and counseling services but nothing as far as surgical.  So, I made an appointment with the private doctor and decided I would come out to my new VA physician, who after telling her I wanted HRT, thought I was wanting it for use like Viagra and when she found out it was for MTF stated they didn't do it.  I wasn't about to argue with her and suggested she check it out.

In the meanwhile, my appointment for the private doctor came up, I went, I paid, and I received the HRT.  Later, thanks to info provided to me by Laurie, I was able get in contact with the  LGBT manager at the VA and he was able to advise my doctor that they did in fact provide HRT services.

You mention you're in Maryland and I believe Happy Moni is also.  You might want to PM her about possible help in the area.

Quote from: Reme on March 23, 2018, 12:46:03 PM
I have talked to my primary care about it, unfortunately they cant regulate hormones for me.

Understandable.  But they should be able to refer you to an endo who can.

Are you near any of these Chase Brexton locations (https://www.chasebrexton.org/about-us/locations)? I believe they provide informed consent and I know one person that is happy with their services. Even if you have to drive a little, it may be worth it, because you'll probably only have to go to around 5 appointments the first year and then less than that in subsequent years.

Iv had terrible luck trying to deal with Chase Braxton, but maybe i should try again with them :/ The therapist i saw liked them so maybe they can help me deal with them.

Hi Reme,
   Cassi texted me that you  live in Maryland too. I see that you don't have the 15 texts needed to personal message. When you do I would be happy to talk with you more. I use Chase Brexton for my hormones. I go to the Columbia center as I work near there. It was easy for me to get started with the hormones  with them. I have some mixed feelings about some things. The main person for trans folks is only in Columbia on Thursdays. Other days she is at the downtown location. Not clear on why it has been so hard for you. I did the informed consent, a baseline blood test, and the next week started hormones. I see this has been stressful for you, so if I can help, let me know.
Moni

Here is some backstory while i find something else to comment on. Iv known about myself since i was 9 or 10 but never really had the nerve to do anything about it. Around 3 years ago i finally decided to do something about it but for various reasons its been really slow getting stuff done.

One thing that you'll find out about this site is that there's a wealth of information and help.  Sometimes it may take a day or two depending on how soon someone reads a post but when they do, you will get a lot of info.

Quote from: Cassi on March 23, 2018, 01:18:49 PM
I also knew that the VA provided the HRT and counseling services but nothing as far as surgical.

VA will also provide for a Speech Pathologist.  Not surgical, but its something.