View Single Post
  #2  
Old 07-03-2011
Melissa Pink's Avatar
Melissa Pink Melissa Pink is offline
Senior Ladyboy Lover
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: The South
Posts: 341
Melissa Pink is just really niceMelissa Pink is just really niceMelissa Pink is just really niceMelissa Pink is just really nice
Send a message via Yahoo to Melissa Pink
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by JodieTs View Post
This topic comes up from time to time on TLB & other trans forums.
I've combined several posts from other site which is UK based.
But much of this is applicable to anyone considering Transitioning / Obtaining Feminising hormones.

This may make a useful "Sticky"
(It would be great if one of the USA Ts women on TLB, could post on how "First Approaches" to your doctor should be handled by the doctor)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There are a number of options open to people considering treatments for Male to Female Gender Dysphoria. Much will depend on actually what the individual wants. In the UK this will be assessed if treatment is sought through the National Health Service (NHS) and the emphasis will be placed upon what the individual ‘needs’ rather than wants. Often the two go hand in hand. The difficulty for some is not that a particular thing (in this case feminising hormones) would be refused but the time it takes to confirm the reason for needing them and to ensure that the person taking them is fully aware of the implications of doing so.

There are many things you need to consider about transitioning which are of a greater initial priority, than feminising hormones.
For example being absolutely sure that transitioning is what is needed for you, and being able to handle your transitioning at work and in everyday life.


There are three basic routes:

1. {UK based} First you should speak to your Doctor/GP and discuss your feelings with him or her.
They will refer you to a local psych service. The level of expertise at these first two points is varied. Some will know the process and make a recommendation whilst others will flounder and this can delay any referral process. You will likely, though, be referred to a regional specialist centre, called a Gender Identity Clinic (GIC)
Once that referral has been made the clinic, will then apply for funding.
However, there is a waiting list at these clinics and the waiting time from you receiving a letter for your first appointment there is between 6 to 8 months at present, though it could take 6 months or more before the GIC receives notification of your referral to them.

This will of course give you plenty of time to plan and prepare any other transitional needs you may have. For example changing your name legally, your bank account details and other official details, it will also give you time to talk to your employers about a time scale for transitioning in work, as well as building up a wardrobe of everyday clothes, and.........
just as importantly giving you time to acclimatise to living as a female in everyday society should you wish to commence your transition prior to your first appointment at the clinic.


The time frames within this do vary but it’s likely that you will not be prescribed hormones until you are living full-time as a female and have demonstrated your intentions to at least two consultant specialists in Gender Dysphoria, a counsellor and that you have agreement for funding from your local GP/PCT.
In short the process is unlikely to be shorter than six months, more likely to be a year, there are exceptions, there always are but the only way to be completely sure is to start the ball rolling yourself.


2. You could make an appointment to see private specialist. The timeframes here are much quicker and an appointment can usually be arranged within a few days or at worst a couple of weeks. The specialist will assess you and will also attempt to identify any other conditions which may affect the diagnosis and any treatment (Split Personality Disorder or Bi-Polar Depression are a couple of examples). The specialist will usually recommend counselling to help you understand the implications and to confirm that you have realistic expectations. The number can vary but will likely be more than two over a period of three to six months. The specialist will see you during and after this and has been known to recommend feminising hormones on the second (but more commonly these days the third) consultation. He or she can treat you privately or {in the UK} send a recommendation to your own Doctor/GP who if in agreement) can provide the medication itself. This isn’t universally accepted and some Doctor 's/GP’s will refuse and you will then have to go through a ‘justification process’ through your own Primary Care Trust (PCT). This can take months and in some cases years.


3. Search the Internet and buy some hormones online. The timescales here can be as little as one week. The problem here is that although most suppliers are reputable you will never be absolutely guaranteed that what you buy is actually what you get. You will be taking medication that has significant effects beyond those you are seeking. They affect the blood, metabolic rate and can have an adverse effect on the organs (such as the liver) which have to process them. If you are not part of a medical support programme you won’t really know if everything is ok until you develop a problem and by then the consequences may be serious (up to and including dying)… In addition you will find yourself isolated from your healthcare providers and as the changes progress, find increasing difficulty with managing that change.
That is excellent information. Thanks for posting it. Just in case any of you t-girls are a U.S. military veteran entitled to health care at Veteran's Administration medical facilities or know a transitioning lady the Veteran's Administration will prescribe HRT. It's one of those things that I had to ask about but they've been actually pretty helpful. The first few times I walked into the V.A. enfemme was a trip, but it's all worked out.

Melissa
Reply With Quote