Quote from: Jade88 on June 23, 2018, 03:17:25 PM
Hi all...  I'm 61 and finally made the decision to transition via HRT.  I've thought about it for years and decided that time is getting short and I shouldn't wait any longer for a chance to finally be at peace within myself.  If all goes well I'll me going the informed consent route with PP in the next couple of weeks.

I'd be interest in any feedback from older girls...

Thanks,

Jade

Hi Jade,                       22 July 2018

Thought it a good time to jump onto your thread; Welcome to the greatest adventure of a lifetime. I'm just a young pup that started transition 08 March 2018 and HRT 27 March. Had my Orchie 13 April 2018 and am happier than I have ever been. I'm enjoying the physical and mental changes that continue to progress. My only regret is that I didn't do this many years ago. I am a bit over 30, like about 48 over in a few days.

The only time it's too late to start is when they are shoveling dirt onto our faces.

Have a great ride, enjoy life as who you really are and don't give a hoot for what anyone else thinks. It's your life, not theirs, and you have every right and obligation to be happy.

I do have one question: What does PP mean? I'm new to this so please excuse my ignorance.

Best Always, Love,
Christine

Primary physician.

Quote from: Donna on July 22, 2018, 03:49:39 PM
Primary physician.

Hi Donna,                   22 July 2018

Thanks bunches; I never thought of that. Thought it was a British secret thing. I feel like the dolt that I am.

Best Always, All My Love,
Christine

Quote from: christinej78 on July 22, 2018, 04:03:24 PM
Hi Donna,                   22 July 2018

Thanks bunches; I never thought of that. Thought it was a British secret thing. I feel like the dolt that I am.

Best Always, All My Love,
Christine

@christinej78
Dear Christine:

In the USA, the term that Private health insurance companies and Medicare use
for our General Practice Doctors or Family Doctors is PCP
                            ...  i.e.  Primary Care Physician.

hugs,
Danielle                                                      cc: @Jade88     @Donna

Quote from: Lady Skylar on July 22, 2018, 06:33:01 PM
Is it Primary Physician or Planned Parenthood? I thought when they were writing PP in their comment they were actually referring to starting hrt the informed consent way through planned parenthood. Maybe I am wrong though.
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Planned Parenthood via informed consent.  Sorry for not making that clear.

Jade

Quote from: KayXo on July 22, 2018, 08:59:18 AM
HRT consisting of only bio-identical estradiol has been shown in recent years, in several studies, to be quite safe and even protect against the risk of DVT (i.e. patches) and cardiovascular risks, improving health rather than jeopardizing it. It also protects against bone loss, cognitive deterioration and slows down ageing. The risk of colon cancer appears to be reduced with estradiol and even perhaps, breast cancer.

Thank you KayXo. You are so inspiring by your words and your knowledge. As an "oldie" on  E patches and AA, there are so many potential advantages for me (and I am sure for others) in your list above.

Thank you so much for such uplifting comments.

Hugs

Pamela

57 here. Awaiting the call from the East Mississauga Family Health Center in Ontario, Canada. They suggested it should come in early August. I'm excited as the day approaches but I feel as though I don't have enough information. What do I need to know right away?

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Hey bdw61,  Welcome aboard.  I suggest knowing what you clearly do want and knowing what questions remain is critical.  We do not need a full on plan for transition but it helps to recognize the challenges that bring us to medical providers for treatment.  Most of us have experienced significant dysphoria that might lead to shame or worse.  Being able to talk about your general direction is more important than wanting to have double D breasts?  Transitioners need not involve the medical folks if it is primarily a social transition but if we are seeking HRT then knowing your past medical history is part of what they will ask of you.  Treatment requires your informed consent and you will be given info about expectations and risks that include irreversible changes.  It helped me have my wife present as someone who could also listen when i was feeling a bit overwhelmed with info and emotional.  Many of us find things change as we make progress and our goals may change as well.  Best of luck girl.

I've certainly been making the social transition. I am Brenda to many now. I had to finally own it and it's going well [emoji4]

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Well hello Brenda then!  Don't wana derail this thread but I am way glad that you have Canadian health care and may not need to ask about what is or isn't covered?

It will be interesting, I'm sure

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Welcome Brenda and it will be very interesting

Big Smile

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What do they say about smoking? I've heard it's not such a good idea on HRT. I feel like such a babe in the woods...

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My docs recommend against it but I don't smoke anymore so no issue. Stopped drinking too as I don't want anything messing with my journey

Drinking had to go years ago. Smoking is hard to give up. I've tried and failed. I guess it might become necessary to quit. I'm already on a high blood pressure pill. I don't want anything to mess with my journey either

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Hi Brenda!
My Endo couldn't say it enough. Don't smoke!!! She says it will increase the risk of blood clots in the lungs and legs. There is a lot of info online about the risk of HRT and smoking, you may want to read. I quit smoking over a year ago, just before starting HRT. It still smells like filet mignon to me but my desire to transition is far stronger then the urge to smoke. It will get easer as time goes by. I don't even think about it anymore (unless I can smell it). Good luck.

Quote from: bdw61 on July 23, 2018, 09:03:41 PM
What do they say about smoking? I've heard it's not such a good idea on HRT. I feel like such a babe in the woods...

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I get my HRT prescription from a GP who has taken the WPATH training for transgender health.  She only takes low-risk clients, and one of her stipulations is that you can't smoke or she won't accept you as a patient.  Anyone else gets referred to an endo and a two-year wait.

Hello Brenda
Like Kathy I also get my meds from a GP.
My doctor told me that she wouldn't even consider anyone for HRT that smoked whatsoever. She also told me this was the biggest inhibiting Factor she seen keeping people from receiving HRT.  and some people just can't quit and decide living smoking instead of receiving HRT. which is perfectly fine it's their choice.

They make those darn cigarettes so addicting with various chemicals to keep the money coming in from repeat customers.
It's very probable this decision might come down to you either quit smoking tobacco products or quit thinking about starting HRT.
I don't know your doctors exact criteria on this,  this is a momentous decision in your life that you're the only one that can decide this.
Ultimately it's your body to decide what to do with.
If you want to start HRT more than smoking possibly this could provide the incentive and a pivot point in your life for a brand new healthier future.
I hope you Choose Wisely my friend.

  all the best to your future
      Love Tatiana