Hormone Advice

[Ali_C]

Hi Sanrina, I doubt if a GP would prescribe hormones for you, they are more likely to refer you to an endocrinologist for treatment as they know what to expect from the HRT in transgender women. Even so, your GP may not reaper you unless you have send a phsycologist to find out if that is really what is required. This is the path which I took before starting on HRT. I saw a physcologist in Wollongong who after about 6 months gave me a letter saying that she believed I was transgender. I took the letter to my GP who then gave me the referral to the endo. The endo started me on HRT on my first visit. HRT should only be carried out under a doctor who knows what they are doing, self treatment is not an option.
To achieve the results you are after, I think HRT is really the only option.
If you would like the names of the phsycologist and endo who treat me just let me know.
Best of luck with your journey,
Ali

[Sana]

Hey Sabrina,

Certified doctors can also prescribe HRT medicines. You can go to “Taylor Square Private Clinic”
http://www.tspc.com.au/

As I know HRT doesn’t need referral, but doctors usually tries to get sure you know what you are doing to start it, which you do 😆

All the best

[Carol]

I went to the Taylor Square clinic and they immediately put me on low dose anti-androgens but referred me to a psych for a report before putting me on stronger anti-androgens and oestrogen. GPs who are less experienced with trans gender patients typically don’t prescribe the hormones but send the patient to an endocrinologist. I have heard of GPs out in the sticks bravely prescribing rather than making the patient travel to Sydney to see the endo.

[Lisa_W]

Not all GP’s are comfortable prescribing HRT, however there is a large cohort who are, and their numbers are growing. Try contacting ANZPATH Australian New Zealand Professional Association of Transgendered Health. If you email them and ask if they could name some GP,s in your area who prescribe HRT, I am sure that they would help. The contact details are on their website.

[Deleted User]

From what I’ve learned so far an Endocrinogist is no better trained than a GP in administering a regimen for HRT. Before you obtain your first prescription be aware there are a few hurdles, No 1 being satisfying the GP that you visit that you are serious about commencing HRT. After that another hurdle arises , a visit to a Psychologist who will ask lots of questions to satisfy themselves that you will benefit from a HRT regimen. Once you satisfy these points and sign consent forms ,understanding possible side effects your medication can start . In my case I had to get BP and cholesterol down somewhat before that first script was written , It took a few months but I was prepared to go slowly.
Whilst the effect of HRT therapy on individuals is highly variable , Practitioners folllow some guidelines that appear to be as safe as you can be after deciding to go ahead with this change to your body chemistry.
Obviously its important to keep regular blood tests/visits to your GP as part of your
routine.

here is a link to an expert article on the topic of HRT administration

http://www.bumc.bu.edu/endo/clinics/transgender-medicine/guidelines/

Caroline

[Catherine]

Good topic Caroline.

Just a reminder the associated link does reiterate US standards which are not necessarily adopted in Australia. Serum level conversion charts to Australian standards are available on Google.

A further reminder that as these chemicals do seriously change the body/brain chemistry they should be treated and monitored in a serious manner. Be totally comfortable with your Principal Consulting Practitioner (PCP); and at the “end of the day” it’s your body, your responsibility.

Enjoy

[Lisa_W]

Hi Sabrina
I have heard this story many times. Don’t forget that HRT even in small doses is possibly lethal. You would need to see a suitable Dr to asses the risks. Some of the changes can be irreversible therefore you would need to be assessed that HRT is appropriate for you. Remember, being TG is not a mental illness but can be associated with mental illness, as evidenced by the very high suicide rate.
Also are you prepared to give up some of the effects of T such as penile erection and enhanced libido. So if penetrative intercourse is important to you or your partner, then I would suggest delaying HRT until you are ready to accept the effects of decreased T.