Navigating Hormone Therapy: Which Doctor to Consult for Gender Identity?

Hello, how can I assist you?

Hello, I would like to ask, I am a male but my gender identity is female.
I have a certificate for gender identity from my military service examination.
If I want to take female hormones, can I go see a doctor to get the medication? If so, should I see a psychiatrist or a gynecologist?

Yu Xi, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/02/26

Dr. Wang Zhenyang reply Psychiatry

Hello, you mentioned in your letter that you have a certificate of gender identity from your military service examination.
I suggest you visit the psychiatry department of the hospital that issued your certificate.
Could you ask if the psychiatry department can refer you to the obstetrics and gynecology department for a consultation? Then, inquire with the OB/GYN physician if they can prescribe you female hormones.
I hope this helps!

Reply Date: 2010/02/26

More Info

Navigating hormone therapy as a transgender individual can be a complex process, and it’s great that you are seeking information on how to proceed. Based on your situation, where you identify as a male but have a female gender orientation and possess documentation regarding your gender identity, you have a few options for consulting with healthcare professionals.

First and foremost, it is essential to understand that hormone therapy (HRT) for transgender individuals typically involves a multidisciplinary approach. This means that you may need to consult with different specialists to receive comprehensive care. In your case, since you are interested in obtaining female hormones, you would likely benefit from seeing both a psychiatrist or psychologist and a gynecologist or endocrinologist.

1. Psychiatrist/Psychologist: It is advisable to start with a mental health professional who specializes in gender identity issues. They can provide you with the necessary support and guidance as you navigate your feelings and identity. They may also conduct an assessment to determine your readiness for hormone therapy. In many cases, a letter from a mental health professional is required before you can begin HRT, especially if you are seeking treatment through a clinic or hospital that follows the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) standards.

2. Gynecologist/Endocrinologist: After you have consulted with a mental health professional, you can then see a gynecologist or an endocrinologist who is experienced in providing hormone therapy for transgender patients. These specialists can prescribe the appropriate female hormones (such as estrogen and possibly anti-androgens) based on your individual health needs and goals. They will also monitor your health throughout the treatment to ensure that you are responding well to the hormones and to manage any potential side effects.

3. Referral Process: In some healthcare systems, you may need a referral from your psychiatrist or psychologist to see a gynecologist or endocrinologist. It’s a good idea to ask your mental health provider if they can refer you to a specialist who is knowledgeable about transgender health issues.

4. Informed Consent Model: Some clinics operate under an informed consent model, which allows patients to access hormone therapy without needing extensive psychological evaluations. This model emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making and may simplify the process for you. Research clinics in your area that follow this model, as they may provide a more straightforward path to obtaining the hormones you seek.

5. Support Groups and Resources: In addition to medical consultations, consider reaching out to local or online support groups for transgender individuals. These communities can provide valuable information, share personal experiences, and offer emotional support as you navigate your journey.

In summary, you can indeed seek hormone therapy as a transgender individual with the documentation you have. Start by consulting a mental health professional who specializes in gender identity, and then proceed to see a gynecologist or endocrinologist for hormone prescriptions. Remember to advocate for yourself and seek out healthcare providers who are knowledgeable and supportive of transgender health issues. Your journey is valid, and finding the right support is crucial for your well-being.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Hormone Therapy and Its Impact on Gender Identity in Urology

In elementary school, I had issues with my genitalia, specifically penile retraction (I had already undergone circumcision at that time). Later, my family took me to Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, where the doctor began a treatment regimen that lasted several months. I re...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Willian: Hello, theoretically, you should consider injecting HMG or HCG, which can stimulate testicular development. You can also check the levels of male and female hormones to see if they are normal. Additionally, if there is suspicion of a genetic issue, chromosome testing can...

Navigating Gender Identity: A Personal Journey Towards Transition

Hello, Doctor: I first attempted to dress as a woman around the middle grades of elementary school, and no one noticed. Since middle school until now, I have dressed as a woman alone in my room, and again, no one knows because I am not yet mentally prepared. At first, dressing up...

Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: From the perspective of gender issues, a person's gender encompasses many layers: biological sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender roles, among others. It seems that you are most troubled by the physical characteristics of biological sex. In the clinica...

Can Trans Men with High Testosterone Symptoms Safely Undergo HRT?

Hello Dr. Chang, I would like to ask you about the suitability of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transgender individuals in physiological females with elevated androgen levels. My situation is that I identify as male and have experienced irregular menstruation and severe ...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, it is recommended that you visit a medical center for an evaluation by both an obstetrician-gynecologist and a psychiatrist. This will ensure that medical advice and regulations are followed appropriately. Thank you! Wishing you peace and health....

Struggling with Sexual Identity: Should You Seek Professional Help?

I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hi there! Regarding your question, it's important to clarify two terms: sexual orientation and gender identity. Sexual orientation refers to the attraction one feels towards the same sex or the opposite sex. If someone is attracted to the same sex, they are considered homose...