Hey there guys!
I've read the stuff you guys wrote on T, and cause I'm new to the whole idea of it...I have a few quick questions. (Yes, I'm going to number/list them, cause it makes life easier)
1) Chronologically, where does taking T fit in? I mean.. do you live as a guy (without T) for a year and then get hormones and stuff? (yes, I really am a noob when it comes to picking up on stuff like that) Also, how does the process work? Do you go to counselling, then to a GP, then to T-therapy? (for some reason that reminds me of T-rex, )
2) How do you approach a GP about this? In my case it would be the NHS service at uni, and I dunno if they have the facilities/specialists that, and how to tell them. I also found out that there's only 1 transgender-related GP in the city (Edinburgh, lol) and so I'm not sure whether I should be going private, or public. I know the NHS can be a pain, but I don't think I can afford to go private! (until I get a proper job, hehe)
3) Does T affect things like hair growth? (when I say 'hair', I don't mean body hair, I mean head hair...lol - cause I have quite enough of the former, and I don't think I'll have a problem with it) Obviously it won't change the type of hair you have genetically inherited (e.g. curly, frizzy, straight, whatever..) but surely it affects stuff like how quickly it grows and hairlines? I read about it somewhere here, but can't remember, hehe..
4) Last question... T would change your metabolism and the way/speed at which you acquire muscle, right? Does this mean that you bulk up or does that just depend on exercise you choose to do ? (for example, if you do sets of pushups daily, or weight-lifting and similar activities)
Thanks for your time!
flex.
P.S. Random thought... I do dance as a hobby, and I'm kind of 'naturally' flexible. Would that be affected by T? (after all, guys do tend to be generally less flexible than gals) Thanks again!
TESTOSTERONE
Re: TESTOSTERONE
Hi Flex,
If you're north of the border it might be worth you contacting these people http://www.sandyford.org/welcome.aspx. I don't know how it all works but there were quite a few people on here when I first arrived who were using Sandyford.
C
If you're north of the border it might be worth you contacting these people http://www.sandyford.org/welcome.aspx. I don't know how it all works but there were quite a few people on here when I first arrived who were using Sandyford.
C
-
- Posts: 145
- Joined: Fri Nov 05, 2010 9:46 pm
Re: TESTOSTERONE
I don't wish to appear rude but if he's in Edinburgh then he definitely should not be going to the Sandyford. You should ask to be referred to Dr Lyndsey Myskow at the Royal Infirmary. She's been the specialist for trans folk in the East of Scotland for over 20 years. I transitioned with her 10 years ago and she is an exceptionally nice person.
She also sees private patients via her private practice Medicalternatives which is down by the Water of Leith at the West End.
She also sees private patients via her private practice Medicalternatives which is down by the Water of Leith at the West End.
-
- Posts: 145
- Joined: Fri Nov 05, 2010 9:46 pm
Re: TESTOSTERONE
Also, Tamsin, in Edinburgh, you get referred directly to the Royal Infirmary to see Dr Myskow, you do NOT see a psychiatrist first unless you have other mental health problems.
-
- Posts: 145
- Joined: Fri Nov 05, 2010 9:46 pm
Re: TESTOSTERONE
I wasn't being rude. Obviously, you can't be expected to know how things work in Scotland. The system there is very different because it is a different country. I was just clearing up a misunderstanding.
I never saw a psychiatrist prior to my transition. Dr Myskow is an approved specialist and is well qualified to make a diagnosis herself. I have always appreciated the fact that, in Scotland, we are not treated in a psychiatric facility but rather alongside patients with fertility problems etc. Much more appropriate.
I would have been most unhappy to have been forced to see a psychiatrist at the start of my transition. I don't consider my transition to be a psychiatric treatment.
Ben
I never saw a psychiatrist prior to my transition. Dr Myskow is an approved specialist and is well qualified to make a diagnosis herself. I have always appreciated the fact that, in Scotland, we are not treated in a psychiatric facility but rather alongside patients with fertility problems etc. Much more appropriate.
I would have been most unhappy to have been forced to see a psychiatrist at the start of my transition. I don't consider my transition to be a psychiatric treatment.
Ben