I want to get anti-androgen to stop the masculine-effect on my body, but I do not have health insurance except the one under my mother's name. And I have to live at home for a while, and I want to keep this a secret from her.  I do not plan to get estrogen in the future, or transition.

But I do have money (make about $120 a week), so how much do you think it would cost to get Spironolactone? And would there be a lot of tests to get it, and do I just call any doctor to get it, or would I have to get a special doctor?

In order to pursue HRT you will need a letter from a therapist after 3 months of supervision, or an informed consent clinic.

Spiro alone can wreck you.

Depending on how active she is checking healthcare stuff online, or how your account is set up, it's possible she may see it under a recurring prescription.

Spiro is pretty cheap iirc, I don't know exactly (I get it free) but I'm pretty sure it's around 20$ for a month (at my dose anyways). The only tests my endo had me do is get my blood tested. I know for me I had to get a letter for even just Spiro, "easier" (if that makes sense) than getting my female hormones letter though. They aren't necessarily suppose to be separate letters just to note, I just wanted to get on an anti-androgen asap.

Also just a question, isn't it dangerous to only take an anti-androgen for a long time? Don't you need to take either T or E (occasionally at least?) to stay healthy in the long term?

My fatigue and bone pain was nearing unbearable levels from self medicating (at a much reduced dose) after about 4-5 months before I started taking estrogen. I was also on AA for years prior to and concurrent with that, though.

You should never DIY it is just sooooooo dangerous to play around with hormones. If the T is reduced without E then all sorts of things can happen and in latter life it can have serious life problems as well. You need to see a therapist to start, talk things through and take it from there.

I know it seems that this is no help at all but seriously don't do it or even think about it.

Stardust

Quote from: stardust on April 09, 2010, 02:34:30 AM
You should never DIY it is just sooooooo dangerous to play around with hormones. If the T is reduced without E then all sorts of things can happen and in latter life it can have serious life problems as well. You need to see a therapist to start, talk things through and take it from there.

I know it seems that this is no help at all but seriously don't do it or even think about it.

Stardust

no not DIY.... that's why I said get a private doctor that my mother doesn't know about

I didn't go through insurance at first either.

in short, the doctor visits would just be sorta expensive for the visit/blood work/etc the first few times. . .

I don't know the costs for sure but blood work would be what like $60? and a doctor visit would be. . . ? don't know this is where somewhere else can chime in.  It's been so long

Quote from: Megan on April 08, 2010, 11:51:16 PM
I want to get anti-androgen to stop the masculine-effect on my body, but I do not have health insurance except the one under my mother's name. And I have to live at home for a while, and I want to keep this a secret from her.  I do not plan to get estrogen in the future, or transition.

But I do have money (make about $120 a week), so how much do you think it would cost to get Spironolactone? And would there be a lot of tests to get it, and do I just call any doctor to get it, or would I have to get a special doctor?

Hun is that you in your pic? Your not even on HRT and you look really good. so passable without even trying.

You can not permanantly stay on an anti androgene and not add E.
You NEED one of the 2 sex hormones to maintain your long term health.

If you are under the age of 18, you may find that you need a parent consent anyway.  I also would say you have not had the talk with the parental units.

I have no advise for you other than talking with your Mom.

Quote from: Janet Lynn on April 09, 2010, 12:10:03 PM
If you are under the age of 18, you may find that you need a parent consent anyway.  I also would say you have not had the talk with the parental units.

I have no advise for you other than talking with your Mom.

Yeah, good advice Janet, it will have to be done one day anyway. I thought I would be disowned by my parents and put off telling them for years and years until I finally went for transition. They have been absolutely fantastic and have supported me throughout. I could ask for a more loving and caring mum and dad. I was blown away when I told them. I plucked up courage, hummed and hared and then after five or so minuets came out with it. Since that time four years ago I wish I had told them sooner. I fact my mum said a while back, "Why on earth didn't you say when you were school age." The lost years, still must look forward not back.

So after the long story, sit down, prepare what you are going to say, even write it in a letter if you want for her to read while you are there to explain things. Only you know best how.

Take care.

Stardust

My testing and prescriptions are all under the care of a standard issue Family Practice doc who has experience with trans patients, so you don't necessarily need a specialist.

I didn't even have to go through any sort of waiting period, either, although I had to ask around at a support group to find a highly recommended physician to oversee my care.

So assuming your age doesn't place you in a special circumstance, in theory you can call around and quite possibly find a competent physician willing to treat you, as you're prepared to pay for service.

Quote from: stardust on April 09, 2010, 02:34:30 AM
You should never DIY it is just sooooooo dangerous to play around with hormones. If the T is reduced without E then all sorts of things can happen and in latter life it can have serious life problems as well. You need to see a therapist to start, talk things through and take it from there.

I know it seems that this is no help at all but seriously don't do it or even think about it.

Stardust

I agree with stardust it's better to go through the correct channels and be totally legit.

But I personally still wish I had been a bit more pushy when I was a lot younger and been more of a rebel with medication. I was about 24 before I started taking birth control pills but they had very little effect on me. In those days (mid 80's) it was a bit more taboo to be TS and we didn't have the internet or any easy access to proper medication like you have these days.

I don't know if it's an option, but you could pay for the meds without insurance through your doctor.

You could get the prescriptions from your doctor and not give the pharmacy your insurance info.  They just charge the full price costing about $50 without insurance (around me) for a months worth.  I had to do this until I got my insurance company to cover the meds.  This would keep the meds off your insurance.

As for finding a doctor, you can go without insurance but it is mighty expensive.  I was charged somewhere around $350 for my first visit and I think something like $150 for the blood work (might be lower, I can't quite remember).  You might also look for a clinic that works with the LGBT community a lot.  They might be more sympathetic to your needs and charge you less - a long shot but worth a try.

Hope that helps.