I have a endocrinologist  consultation on Monday and I'm not even sure what that is.What did you all do at your consultation and how was it?

I had mine about 2 weeks ago. It should basically be a meet and greet. They'll examine you and take detailed medical history.

You might want to do a little research first. Basically write down a few questions before hand to ask the doc. Some of mine were:

1. How many TG patients have you treated? (both MTF & FTM).
2. What is your specialty? (most endo specialize in diabetes, metabolism, and associated issues).
3. What is your usual hormone regimen for a TG patient like me? This is a biggie as many endos have very different approaches to HRT.
4. Ask specifically what meds he/she prescribes and in what dosages and when? Micronized estradiol or transdermal patch (under 40/over 40 yo) should be #1 on the list.
5. Cost. How much are office visits, blood work, lab tests, etc.?
6. How often do you check my blood work? Usually 2 months at first, then every 3-6 thereafter.
7. What exactly do you test my blood for? Examples: Total T, Free T, Liver enzyme function, Lipid Profile, and others. The total T and liver enzyme function are the key tests. Some endos don't even test for the T level though and simply concentrate on the total E level. Different approaches again.
8. Let them know of any med allergies or pre-existing medical conditions or family history of pre-existing medical conditions.

These were a few of mine. 

I have my first endo appt a week from Tuesday.  If I ask these questions, how will I know if I  like the answers or should walk away?

the endocrinologist looks at a readout of your blood hormone levels and similar stuff so as to be able to advise you one what you need to take to get the feminising you want.

You need the blood test before surely though as otherwise he/she's working blind?  Or will he/she ask what you want and then send you for blood test and then contcat you with recommendations?

I go to give blood a good week before my appointments so that the (absolutely gorgeous  ) endo doctor has the read out and we can decide what hormones I need to be taking.

Nobody else wants to share any stories?

I went yesterday and I was nervous the whole time.When the nurse was reading my info on the computer she did a double take,she later asked me if I knew why I was there and I said "hormones"so she left and I had to wait 30 minutes for the endo.When the endo came in he told me to talk to him as if he were my therapist so he could get an idea of where my head was at.He told me that he was the most experienced with trans women at kaiser.He asked me if I would rather do pills or or injections, I said  pills (I hate needles) but that would be hard on my liver so injections would be best.He then explained how he had other patients who over medicated in order to to become more feminized, it bothered me that he kept calling his other patients him and he.I asked him how many trans people he's dealt with and he said three.I asked how much lab work and blood tests cost and he said  it's covered thank god.I then checked my chest and genitals for whatever reason and told me to come back in a week or two at 8 after fasting for twelve hours.I wa nervous the whole time but kept a brave face.

         I went to my appt today.  I was nervous not knowing what to expect.  She asked me about my history and explainde what HRT can do.  My therapist said it was up to me to decide how much info I wanted to tell about myself.  I did get a couple of monoths supply to start.  I still need to get my bloodwork done.  My insurance wouldn't cover the tests so I will go to the VA to get it done.  The Dr did check my lungs but that was about all.  I can't start on HRT until I get my bloodwork done.  All went well except my therapist didn't send over my letter.  I hope it gets there.

Quote from: Dyan on August 17, 2010, 11:12:19 PM
         I went to my appt today.  I was nervous not knowing what to expect.  She asked me about my history and explainde what HRT can do.  My therapist said it was up to me to decide how much info I wanted to tell about myself.  I did get a couple of monoths supply to start.  I still need to get my bloodwork done.  My insurance wouldn't cover the tests so I will go to the VA to get it done.  The Dr did check my lungs but that was about all.  I can't start on HRT until I get my bloodwork done.  All went well except my therapist didn't send over my letter.  I hope it gets there.

My endo wanted to wait until he got my letter from my therapist.