I've been seeing the same psychiatrist for almost five years now. She has been the one to diagnose me with my mental disorders and has always been the one to prescribe my medications. I feel that at this point getting on T would be the best thing for my mental health. Should I go to her with this? Or do I need to see an endocrinologist? If I can just see her, is she able to prescribe the T?

Hi Preston,

Where I am the psych refers you to an endocrinologist who does the blood work and monitors the levels of whatever you are on whether is T or E or P etc.

So I would discuss it with you psychiatrist for a referral to an endo.

Good Luck

Cindy

 Hiya! I live in Arizona, USA. For me, all I had to use a psychologist for was to get the GID diagnosis, and my primary takes care of the rest. She monitors my blood , and prescribes my hormones. I had ONE hour long interview as a psych eval, and that's all my doctor needed to prescribe me hormones. I have blood work done at a lab twice a year now, and follow up with my doctor to review the labs.

It really seems to me that many peoples psychologists are screwing them over. Unless you have other issues you feel you need a mental health professional in your life then it's great, but I feel like many trans folk are afraid to be up front and just tell it like it is. It's your choice, and they are supposed to help you understand the repercussions of YOUR choices , not to steer you down any other path.

Have you ever talked trans issues with her before?

No, I haven't. But she's been there through all of my different girlfriends and boyfriends. She's young and open minded. She actually cares about me and knows my anxiety is awful. If she thinks this will help then I think she would be down to help me out.

I'm sorry if it seemed to imply that your psychologist is screwing you over, looking at my reply it sounds mean... I'm close to my primary, it's like therapy for me to visit her. It sounds like all you have to do is ask, I know my Dr cares about me also, and she really has helped me tremendously.  You already have the good relationship, so go for it!

Since she prescribes my other medication would SHE be able to just prescribe the testosterone? Does that ever happen?

I've never heard of it happening but I wouldn't say it is impossible. It would be up to her comfort level in doing so I think. Just keep in mind that she might decide not to because she is not comfortable with it. She also might not because you have not brought it up with her in 5 years of seeing her. That being said though, if you trust her it probably would not hurt to ask.

Quote from: Preston on September 12, 2011, 01:04:22 AM
Since she prescribes my other medication would SHE be able to just prescribe the testosterone? Does that ever happen?

It does in the UK. We don't get all that endocrinologist business afaik, never seen one or ever been referred to one. Our National Health Service is very minimalist regarding blood tests compared to other countries. Psychiatrists can and do prescribe.