Heya, I'm new to the forums.
I've been feeling alittle anxious and frustrated. I haven't told anyone that I'm transgendered. I'm wanting to gradually go girly, I'm very cautious about what I've been doing so far, but anyways, I'm not sure how to go about HRT. What is the very first step? Should I make an appointment with my family doctor? Will they likely ask for a blood test when I'm there (afraid of needles >.> or a full blown physical? Or will I have to do months of therapy first? Or will I just be referred to an endocrinologist, if so, what will they get me to do?

I'm very new to how to go about doing these kinds of things =s

The usual method is to first find a therapist experienced in treating gender identity issues. Then after 3 months of therapy and a GID diagnosis, you become eligible for a HRT recommendation letter (although it might take longer... it's up to the therapist). The therapist gives you a letter, you take it to a doctor or endo, and begin your regimen.

At the very least a doctor is going to perform blood tests to establish a baseline of your levels before HRT, as well as looking for vulnerabilities where HRT might cause you problems.

~Kate~

Okkies, that all makes sense. My only concern now is the usual costs for the therapy, and a lesser concern - the hormones. I'll guess that the values will be in US dollars (I live outside the states =p)

Thankies alot for the prompt response ^_^

(Edit: Also about getting a therapist, how do I go about looking for one? I could go to a LGBT group, but that would likely risk coming out to my sister and her friend (or at the very least coming out as bisexual to my uncle/guardian as he lives with us) or I could always get info and contact them outside of the usual times my sister and her friend go. Hmmm, things to think about...)

Quote from: Purple Kitty on July 05, 2008, 12:59:55 AM
Okkies, that all makes sense. My only concern now is the usual costs for the therapy, and a lesser concern - the hormones. I'll guess that the values will be in US dollars (I live outside the states =p)

Both vary widely. Therapists might be $50 - $250 per session. HRT might be roughly around $100+/month, but that is *extremely* variable depending on your regimen, prices in your area, discounts you might get from insurance or other plans, etc.

Don't forget to consider facial hair removal, either through electrolysis or laser treatments. Those costs vary widely too, but expect to pay thousands before you're done.

And of course if you decide to go for SRS eventually, add another $18,000 or so (less overseas)...

~Kate~

In the three months before getting a letter of approval, how many sessions would be held usually? lol, I'm probably too inquisitive about all of these things >.>;
I'm curious, how much therapy is necessary things for these things out. That probably varies alot too actually lol

Quote from: Purple Kitty on July 05, 2008, 03:04:45 AM
In the three months before getting a letter of approval, how many sessions would be held usually? lol, I'm probably too inquisitive about all of these things >.>;
I'm curious, how much therapy is necessary things for these things out. That probably varies alot too actually lol

Depends on the therapist and your own ability to want to move forward in transition and stuff.  I had my bad luck with therapists and could never find one that worked for the loooongest time.  I had my first therapist a year before she would write me a HRT letter, but she wasn't right for me and didn't understand a lot about me.  The only reason I went to her was because my parents wanted me to.

Just find a therapist you like and make sure you tell them like a general timeline for yourself that you can achieve.  Of course, gender therapist is preferred obviously for our situation hehe.

Quote from: Purple Kitty on July 05, 2008, 03:04:45 AM
In the three months before getting a letter of approval, how many sessions would be held usually? lol, I'm probably too inquisitive about all of these things >.>;
I'm curious, how much therapy is necessary things for these things out. That probably varies alot too actually lol

Yup! Everything varies. Therapists typically like to see you at least once a month, but many prefer weekly or biweekly... and some are happy to let it slide to months between. It depends on the therapist and your situation. Even with the same therapist, it might take a year for one patient to get her HRT letter, while another gets hers in a few weeks. In theory, a therapist is putting their professional reputation (and perhaps legal vulnerability) on the line when they sign your letter "approving" you for HRT, so they want to be DARN sure you're doing this "for the right reasons" and aren't going to say "oops!" a year later and sue your doctor and them.

On the other hand, I've heard stories of therapists handing out letters after one visit, so.... ya just never know.

There are a set of guidelines known as The Standards Of Care (SOC) which most, though not all therapists, doctors and surgeons follow when treating GID. It's these "rules" that regulate the requirements for HRT and SRS, although they are mere guidelines and not legal laws or anything.

~Kate~

It's a difficult process for both the therapist and the client. Most therapists who specialize in GID issues don't like to be seen as "gatekeepers" because it only serves to give the client incentive to lie in order to get "the letter." No therapist wishes to give a letter recommending HRT to a client who will not benefit from HRT either, so the situation can be difficult at best.

It's important to establish a rapport with your therapist, and above all, you need to be truthful. Your therapist isn't there to pass judgement on you, and can only work with what you give her (or him). The Standards of Care do reccommend three months of therapy, but it's only intended as a guideline. I received my letter in three weeks. It depends on your therapist and also your history.

Quote from: Purple Kitty on July 05, 2008, 03:04:45 AM
In the three months before getting a letter of approval, how many sessions would be held usually? lol, I'm probably too inquisitive about all of these things >.>;
I'm curious, how much therapy is necessary things for these things out. That probably varies alot too actually lol

Welcome to Susan's, Purple Kitty.

Please take some time to read The Site Rules and on The Main Page you can discover Links, Chat and Wiki for your use as well. You might also want to go to the "Announcements" section and read the two posts "Post Ranks" and "Reputation Rules" to help you with some knowledge about when you can apply your own avatars, PM, and what those lil stars mean beneath all of our names and how to get them for yourself as well!!

It's great to have you here! Enjoy your stay.

Nichole

Kitty,
When I went to my therapist the first time it was to stop the thoughts and feeling.  He was no help at all in that department.  Then about six months or so later I gave in to those thoughts and feelings, which blew up into my wife and I separating.  So I went back to him and he remembered me.  He also said 'I knew you would be back.  It is so clear that you are Transsexual".  I asked what he meant and he said that it was the way I looked when talking about being a woman.  I would smile a lot.  He referred me right then for HRT.  I didn't even ask.  But I was so happy that I was finally going to be me, the real me.

Each therapist is different and they are not your 'gatekeeper'.  They will judge how you are adapting, if thats the right word, to accepting yourself.  That is the first step in accepting yourself as who you are.

Good luck in your journey, and Welcome to our little family.

Love,
Janet

Quote from: Purple Kitty on July 05, 2008, 12:59:55 AM
(I live outside the states =p)

I didn't see you mention where you're from but on the off chance it's NSW Australia check out http://www.gendercentre.org.au/. Or a similar group wherever you are would probably be an excellent starting point.

Anyways I'm in NSW, and from what I've read it was very different in my case compared to most people on here!

I first went to the youth groups at the Gender Centre, and from there I went to a G.P who ordered blood tests and referred me to an Endo and a Psychiatrist. I got my letter after the first session with the Psychiatrist and started HRT when I met the Endo.

So yeah, much easier 'round here...I love Australia 


P.s. I'm new too, Hi.

(Sorry for the late response)

Thanks for the replies and welcomes. I'm getting a better idea about HRT and therapy in general. I also have been reading some supportive sites (people with similar personalities and situations) to help get a wider perspective on myself.

I'm going to a LGBT youth support group on Wednesday, I decided to just try it even with my sister and her friend.

Wish me luck

PS: Welcome Imadique! btw I intentionally didn't mention that I'm from Canada XD

Quote from: Purple Kitty on July 06, 2008, 07:51:36 PM
I'm from Canada XD

If you're from canada, you might find this useful

Hehe, I looked alittle bit into that site before - I think I got lost on it abit >.>.
But my group is actually on that list! So I'm going to look more into the program's site.

Thanks for the incredibly handy link ^_^