FTM's and Transitioning

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Ebon

Did anyone go to the doctor and ask to be put on T without needing a letter from a therapist? If so did they just put you on T or did you have to do some tests first and wait for the results? Can the doctor say no is what I'm asking. Also did anyone have issues with hbp and was still able to take T?

Ebon, read this:

http://www.thegavoice.com/index.php/...forming-people

I am not certain when version 7 Standards of Care go into effect, but they came out 2 weeks ago.

What you need to know:

In version 6 (updated 2001), you had to have one letter from a therapist (of any graduate degree who worked with trans individuals), say that you should be able to receive hormones. You also needed one letter for top surgery.

NOW, although an "assessment" is needed to determine if one needs hormones, the doctor who is prescribing the hormones can do the "assessment". It no longer has to be a therapist.

I would suggest that you call all of the endocrinologists on your insurance list to see if you can find one who works with transpeople. If you find one who does, ask if they know/let them know, it can now be done without a therapist letter and see what they say.

An endocrinologist has a greater knowledge base than a primary care physician about, well, the endocrine system. :-)

Obviously, if you know anyone in your area who has transitioned, contact them to see who they go to.

Good Luck

ETA: Also see: http://www.wpath.org/documents/Stand...11%20WPATH.pdf

Here is version 7 Page 33 talks about criteria to receive hormones.