The first step is to find a healthcare provider knowledgeable about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Some options include:
Endocrinologists - Doctors who specialize in hormones and metabolic functions. Endocrinologists have extensive training in managing HRT, including determining proper hormone levels, monitoring effects, and adjusting dosages over time.
OBGYNs - Doctors who specialize in reproductive health and hormones. Many OBGYNs prescribe HRT for perimenopausal and menopausal individuals. Some also help guide transgender patients through feminizing or masculinizing hormone therapy.
Primary Care Providers - General physicians like family doctors can also prescribe HRT in many cases. They may refer you to a specialist like an endocrinologist for complex needs.
Transgender Health Clinics - Specialty clinics focused on gender-affirming care, including HRT for transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse individuals. Multidisciplinary teams provide individualized treatment plans and follow-up. Examples include Harmony Hormone Center().
Some key factors in choosing a provider include:
- Experience prescribing HRT, especially for your needs
- Willingness to treat based on current clinical standards and monitor effects over time
- Acceptance of your identity and goals for care
The consultation will involve discussing your medical history, goals, risks and benefits of HRT. Standard labs and screenings may be ordered. Key elements of the visit:
- Share your gender identity, pronouns, experience of gender incongruence or dysphoria. Be specific about changes you wish to make.
- Provide relevant background - mental health, family health history, medications and supplements. Share if you identify as transgender, nonbinary or have other specific needs.
- Understand all options available - different hormone regimens, doses, routes and medications. Discuss goals and ideal pace of changes.
- Review expected effects on your physical appearance, emotions, sexual function etc over time. Understand permanent changes from HRT.
- Cover common risks like infertility, cardiovascular issues, interactions with pre-existing conditions. Discuss monitoring tests needed.
- Get references or letters for procedures if required.
- Obtain prescriptions and detailed instructions for medications, labs, and follow up visits. Start only when ready.
At Harmony Hormone Center(), our award-winning transgender health program provides safe, affirming HRT to trans youth and adults. With convenient online and in-person options, we offer personalized care plans focused on your wellbeing on your journey of transition.
I hope this overview helps explain the process to speak with qualified healthcare providers about starting feminizing/masculinizing HRT. Please comment if you have any other questions!
