I hate to start another thread haha, but I feel I really need to!~

Last night I texted my aunt, pretty much the only supportive adult relative I have, to tell her that I started hormones. She asked some questions about therapy and stuff and she told me she supports me but she has some concerns. She asked who wrote the prescription, and she also thought that I'm supposed to live as the opposite sex for a year before hormones (My therapist and I never really talked about dressing female etc although I did get more feminine during the course of therapy. Ie carrying a purse, shaping eye brows, woman's shoes a few times) She also asked if I'm supposed to be going to therapy still, which would be nice but the place I went to was only short term ~emergency~ therapy and they didn't feel like I needed therapy anymore. I don't feel like I really need it either but I would like it!

And today I was looking at a before and after thread on another trans forum and realized that most girls transitions are much slower. I'm worried that mine has been happening too fast, if that's possible. I've wanted to be a woman as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories are playing dress up or with barbies, wishing I had boobs and long hair. Then during middle school and high school I wished I had been born a girl, and during high school at least  few times a year I wondered if I should transition but I never thought it was for me, I just figured all gay guys felt like I did about being women. Which is silly because trans people are born in the wrong body...Why it didn't click earlier is beyond me haha. BUT it was only about three months ago did I decide to identify as a woman and transition.

If you feel that it might be too early, then the best thing to do is not start the hormones. If you feel the overwhelming need to still take them, then you can, they were prescribed. But if you still feel uneasy and rushed, try only taking the antiandrogens at first. I don't think that should cause any irreversible "damage" if it's only for a short term, and it can stop you from masculinizing (is that a word?) further, such as bone structure, and body hair. If you already have body hair, the AA's can help reduce it.

But again, do what you feel comfortable doing.

Too fast I think is up to you and your therapist. I can't remember if you live in the states or not, but hormones here usually require 3 months of visits with a therapist before getting a letter of approval. However, I got mine after 2 like you as I have seen my therapist for 7 sessions. These are guidelines. I think your aunt may have confused SRS with hormones as SRS typically requires living a year as a female full time and an additional letter from a therapist and sometimes yet another letter from a PhD level psychologist. 

Quote from: SamanthaFLA on October 04, 2010, 12:20:48 PM
If you feel that it might be too early, then the best thing to do is not start the hormones. If you feel the overwhelming need to still take them, then you can, they were prescribed. But if you still feel uneasy and rushed, try only taking the antiandrogens at first. I don't think that should cause any irreversible "damage" if it's only for a short term, and it can stop you from masculinizing (is that a word?) further, such as bone structure, and body hair. If you already have body hair, the AA's can help reduce it.

But again, do what you feel comfortable doing.

Well I feel ready and I'm happy to be where I am, especially so fast, but I just thought my aunt might be onto something and decided to share and get opinions. I'm not really worried it's going too fast because ever since I decided to transition, hormones were the only thing on my mind.

Quote from: Melody on October 04, 2010, 12:23:07 PM
Too fast I think is up to you and your therapist. I can't remember if you live in the states or not, but hormones here usually require 3 months of visits with a therapist before getting a letter of approval. However, I got mine after 2 like you as I have seen my therapist for 7 sessions. These are guidelines. I think your aunt may have confused SRS with hormones as SRS typically requires living a year as a female full time and an additional letter from a therapist and sometimes yet another letter from a PhD level psychologist. 

Yeah I live in California. And I only went to about 10 sessions. My therapist was ready after about 8. She might have gotten srs and hrt confused, that's possible.


I'm coming to the conclusion that it's just me being paranoid as I always am. But it never hurts to talk things out right?

It is your transition, so it is at your speed.  You and your therapist will monitor how you are doing.  Just go at your own pace.

Quote from: Janet Lynn on October 04, 2010, 12:46:49 PM
It is your transition, so it is at your speed.  You and your therapist will monitor how you are doing.  Just go at your own pace.

I'm not in therapy anymore. My aunt did say she was going to try to see if one of her friends can see me as a favor, but she isn't sure if she can pull it. Would be nice since I enjoyed therapy but I don't at this point feel like I need it.

I felt very overwhelmed when I first started the HRT, especially because I had no therapist or anyone to talk to so I felt like I'm not bein guided and with no one to tell me "hey you're going too fast".

I remember now a helpful thought (I can't remember where I read it) which basically says that whatever the speed at which your transition is moving, it's neither too fast or slow but just the right one. I guess what I mean to say I abandoned trying to control it so hard and now  I don't feel rushed or stalled either

Take care, Britney <3

Thanks Karla! I guess I just got worried haha. I know this is right for me. I suppose I am lucky to not be one of those who has to go through a lot to get started. I feel blessed.

Quote from: itsbritney on October 04, 2010, 12:33:16 PM
Yeah I live in California. And I only went to about 10 sessions. My therapist was ready after about 8. She might have gotten srs and hrt confused, that's possible.

10 sessions, but over what period of time? Most therapists I've talked to (and mine as well) like to see patients right up to their SRS date, even if the visits are spaced 3-6 months apart. They usually like to stay in some sort of contact.

Quote from: JennX on October 04, 2010, 10:24:46 PM
10 sessions, but over what period of time? Most therapists I've talked to (and mine as well) like to see patients right up to their SRS date, even if the visits are spaced 3-6 months apart. They usually like to stay in some sort of contact.

Two months. We wanted to continue therapy, but the place is like a community place for emergency therapy or something like that. I have his card if I do need to see him again.

Quote from: itsbritney on October 04, 2010, 10:41:04 PM
Two months. We wanted to continue therapy, but the place is like a community place for emergency therapy or something like that. I have his card if I do need to see him again.

Did he write you an actual written evaluation diagnosing you with GID? Or just a referral letter?

3 months is the minimum period of time to be in therapy before beginning HRT according to the WPATH Standards of Care most psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists follow. Was 2 months enough for you? Well only you can answer that question. But seeing a trained professional who is educated to deal with these questions and concerns can't hurt. I also suggest someone that has had extensive experience with TG persons, and who has had several MTF patients. Many therapists I talked with before picking one, dealt with what they termed "LGBT" issues. Most had never treated a MTF patient or if they did, the majority of their GID diagnosed, patients never completed SRS, so that help me weed out a bunch. Many specialized in other fields, like addiction, marriage, relationships etc. You really need to find someone who is extensively experienced with MTF GID top to bottom, and who has preferably been in practice for several years. When I was "doc shopping" I had a list of questions, and basically it was me interviewing the therapists as to whether or not they'd "get the job" to treat me. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask questions like: How many MTF patients have you treated? What sort of advanced degree do you have (MS, PhD, etc)? What is your normal course of therapy? Where did you go to school? If you can't find someone local, many do online therapy now. It's your life and health.

Quote from: JennX on October 04, 2010, 10:58:31 PM
Did he write you an actual written evaluation diagnosing you with GID? Or just a referral letter?

3 months is the minimum period of time to be in therapy before beginning HRT according to the WPATH Standards of Care most psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists follow. Was 2 months enough for you? Well only you can answer that question. But seeing a trained professional who is educated to deal with these questions and concerns can't hurt. I also suggest someone that has had extensive experience with TG persons, and who has had several MTF patients. Many therapists I talked with before picking one, dealt with what they termed "LGBT" issues. Most had never treated a MTF patient or if they did, the majority of their GID diagnosed, patients never completed SRS, so that help me weed out a bunch. Many specialized in other fields, like addiction, marriage, relationships etc. You really need to find someone who is extensively experienced with MTF GID top to bottom, and who has preferably been in practice for several years. When I was "doc shopping" I had a list of questions, and basically it was me interviewing the therapists as to whether or not they'd "get the job" to treat me. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask questions like: How many MTF patients have you treated? What sort of advanced degree do you have (MS, PhD, etc)? What is your normal course of therapy? Where did you go to school? If you can't find someone local, many do online therapy now. It's your life and health.

Two months was enough time for me. I personally don't think it's too soon or fast I just got kinda paranoid when my aunt seemed to think so. And I can't pick and choose a therapist, because I had no money at the time, still couldn't afford therapy. I went to a place that charged on a sliding scaled and it was about 5 dollars per session. Plus I don't know if their are many therapists in the area who had ~extensive~ experience with Tgs. He has worked with some before though. But his letter mentioned that I have GID and a real doctor who works with TGs accepted it and wrote me a script.

Quote from: Britney♥Bieber on October 04, 2010, 11:06:15 PM
Two months was enough time for me. I personally don't think it's too soon or fast I just got kinda paranoid when my aunt seemed to think so. And I can't pick and choose a therapist, because I had no money at the time, still couldn't afford therapy. I went to a place that charged on a sliding scaled and it was about 5 dollars per session. Plus I don't know if their are many therapists in the area who had ~extensive~ experience with Tgs. He has worked with some before though. But his letter mentioned that I have GID and a real doctor who works with TGs accepted it and wrote me a script.

I can sympathize with the money issues. This process gets really expensive, really fast. Here's a good link to find a local therapist: http://www.psychologytoday.com/ Just put in your zip or city. Generally, when the therapist feels you are ready for HRT, they should provide you with both a written evaluation spelling out in detail why they have diagnosed you with GID and what many call the HRT letter. There are specific guidelines this evaluation follows and it has to include specific terminology. They will also provide a brief written letter (usually 1 page) to your doc, endo, GP recommending HRT as a suggested method of treatment. If nothing else, sometime down the road when finances permit, find another well-trained therapist, even online, for at least 1 session and ask them any lingering questions or concerns you still may have.

Quote from: JennX on October 04, 2010, 11:18:06 PM
I can sympathize with the money issues. This process gets really expensive, really fast. Here's a good link to find a local therapist: http://www.psychologytoday.com/ Just put in your zip or city. Generally, when the therapist feels you are ready for HRT, they should provide you with both a written evaluation spelling out in detail why they have diagnosed you with GID. There are specific guidelines this evaluation follows and it has to include specific terminology. They will also provide a brief written letter (usually 1 page) to your doc, endo, GP recommending HRT as a suggested method of treatment. If nothing else, sometime down the road when finances permit, find another well-trained therapist, even online, for at least 1 session and ask them any lingering questions or concerns you still may have.

I don't really feel like I ~need~ therapy right now. If I do, I'll try and get more sessions at the same place but I don't know if I can. Either way if I can afford it in the future I'll consider it. I mean I need to go to get a letter for srs. But that's not going to be possible for years.