Obtaining Feminising hormones

[Melissa Pink]

Originally Posted by JodieTs

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)

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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

[ChrisTinaBruce]

Please be very careful and do plenty of research before DIY.

[ChrisTinaBruce]

Not sure if it allowed but there are sites where you can have your blood work tested so DIY HRT can make sure they are being safe.

Feel free to PM and will forward a few blood work sites and HRT suggest level sites.

Be Safe.

[shemale arab]

Taking hormone replacement to the feminization of the body under medical supervision is a beautiful thing
Thank you Thank you for this important instructions
I wish success to all here

[JodieTs]

You're welcome.
I hope it helps.

[vicky644]

Originally Posted by ChrisTinaBruce

Not sure if it allowed but there are sites where you can have your blood work tested so DIY HRT can make sure they are being safe.

Feel free to PM and will forward a few blood work sites and HRT suggest level sites.

Be Safe.

your info is great and very helpful!!! guess i was lucky many years ago i dated a medical studant and i was his little project. and a fine job he made of me to if i do say so myself lol:

[Smoothie]

Most gals are started on 2mg of Estradiol & 100mg of spironolactone as a T-Blocker. After a month you're upped to 4mg of estradiol. If you're a smoker or at high risk for an embolism, you'll go with a single 0.1mg patch weekly for a month and switched over to two patches at a time after the first month.

I have dehydration issues with 100mg of spironolactone, so I take 50mg of spironolactone and suppliment it with 1mg of Finasteride.

Completely optional and debated, but I also take 100mg of progesterone in capsule form nightly for more natural, rounded breasts.

[kellytrans]

Originally Posted by Smoothie

Most gals are started on 2mg of Estradiol & 100mg of spironolactone as a T-Blocker. After a month you're upped to 4mg of estradiol. If you're a smoker or at high risk for an embolism, you'll go with a single 0.1mg patch weekly for a month and switched over to two patches at a time after the first month.

I have dehydration issues with 100mg of spironolactone, so I take 50mg of spironolactone and suppliment it with 1mg of Finasteride.

Completely optional and debated, but I also take 100mg of progesterone in capsule form nightly for more natural, rounded breasts.

but is it some complication?

[JamieTS]

Yes I am a freak of nature. I have boobs and a really small non functioning penis other than sticky sweet clear salty "honey" that drips. No MPB and really light body hair even on the arms that I trim because I sleep on my stomach with my arms under my head and hate longer hair that tickles my nose. I mean I trim it and it lasts a couple of months at least. my beard is really scraggly and hair on my chest is really scraggly and fine. I have seen women with more hair on their belly button down that is more stubbly than my whole chest. The facial hair does suck though.

Look there are natural ways you can take. There are so many foods that contain natural Estrogen. You can take Saw Palmetto to slow the production DTH or DHT???? Anyway T isn't what causes MPB but DTH. Cis women are recommended not to use Saw Palmetto. I have been taking the supplement since I was in my 30's.

There are a lot of natural ways you can go but it takes some time to see or feel any results. HRT is quick and you can feel the difference, natural takes a lot of time and is usually so minute that you won't even notice it until later on comparing pics and other things.

Hell, I got told by and endo that if I went on HRT I would probably be a total bitch. Sort of like a cis woman constantly experiencing PMS constantly. It sux but... With my genes and other things. One thing I do not want to experience is PMS and the emotional ups and downs associated with it. I mean I already cry during sad movies. I have no MPB. I have light body hair and have boobs even though my nips are on the side instead of the front. My fat to muscle ratio is more along the line of a cis female. My facial features are more feminine than masculine.

No I don't feel like a "Natural Woman" but I am a natural Tranny it seems.