In the UK it can take a couple of years before you end up on HRT. You have to go to your GP to get a referral then maybe wait a year to get an appointment with a GIC clinic and then maybe another year before HRT. I'm not sure about HRT yet but am wondering whether I should start the ball rolling. I know my thoughts on it have moved on a lot from a couple of years ago when it was a case of probably not. Now I think about it a lot so who knows where my mind will be in a year or two. Maybe it'll be a case of yes, definitely or no chance... who knows? The trouble is if I wait until I'm 100 certain to make a GP appointment I know I've then got a couple of years to wait unless I go private. Being in my mid 40s, age also focusses the mind. I'm wondering if there's any benefit to starting things off, knowing that I'm not committing myself to anything at this stage. Thoughts?

Christine

I say, get the ball rolling.  You can always steer it the way you want when you are more clear of what you want.

I think it's definitely worth talking to your GP and getting a referral to a GIC, I've been told to expect 2 years for my first appointment. It varies depending on area but you can cancel before your appointment is close if you change your mind and they will fill it easily.

If you can afford it visiting a private gender therapist is extremely worthwhile, I did some therapy before talking to a doctor. Also, I would be surprised if many people are 100% certain when they start, I've only just started HRT but it wasn't until I experienced that that I was sure it was the right path for me.

Its been 15 months since I got a referral and not heard a thing yet so defiantly go with it , as for HRT see Gender GP thread.

Hi Christine.

Im in the same boat and being nearly mid forties also, I've come to the conclusion it's my life go live it.
Some girls on here advised me to go to genderGP which I plan to do by the end of the month as they all speak highly of the services provided, as the 2 year wait is an absurd amount of time.
That's just to start the journey, gotta love our health service.

Sophie

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It's a process, and for me making the appointment was the first step. All of a sudden I have options and the fist port will be therapy to gather the tools I need to move forward.
I have a sense where my journey will take me, dysphoria is a powerful incentive, but like everyone I don't have a crystal ball to see into the future. One step at a time.

Peace and love and all that good stuff,

Sadie

Hello Christine

My advice is to contact GenderGP as they have both therapy and HRT. Several members from UK including me have done so. If you search "GenderGP" or "UK", you'll see relevant threads. They have a very good admin service too.

You should only need 1 or 2 (I needed only 1) therapy sessions by phone before being granted low dose HRT. I would say take it from there and explore. Does HRT suit you and make you feel better? As you can see I have been on HRT just 12 weeks and I know it is definitely right for me and I expect to transition when I see the physical benefits. When you have experienced HRT for 3 or 6 months, then you will know whether or not to inform you NHSGP and subsequently follow NHS route or continue privately or pull out.

I wish you every success whatever decision you take.

Hugs

Pamela