Hormones
are the hot subject of debate among the Transgendered Community.
On the one hand are those that advocate hormones on demand no matter
what source they use. On the others are those who believe in following
the HBIGDA
Standards of care laid down by Dr Harry Benjamin.
I am not here to judge anyone. I believe in the right to do as we
choose as long as we don't harm others. I don't intend to lecture
anyone here, but there are pitfalls to obtaining hormones through
means other than following the HBIGDA. As this is a Transgendered
Information Site I am providing information, nothing more.
The HBGDIA Standards of Care provide clear cut rules for obtaining
Hormones. The first step is simple. You need to obtain a Psychologist
who specializes in "Gender Dysphoria". Any Psychiatrist
or Psychologist can refer you to one. Within as little as three
months you could be prescribed Hormones under a Doctor of Endocrinology's
care. There are reasons for the HBIGDA and they are to prevent irreversable
mistakes
and even death. The other reason is that when it comes time for
your gender change, your Counselor will be able to provide letters
to recommend it. So eventually you will need one anyway.
There are those who believe that, for whatever reason decide to
obtain hormones any way they can. First of all it is illegal to
obtain prescription drugs without a script. If you use any of the
countless overseas Pharmacies you can run a serious risk. Customs
inspects many of the packages (especially drug company packages).
The government
could then contact you and demand you produce a prescription. At
the present time the Postal Service sends the package back to the
Pharmacy. You may or may not get your money back or have the package
resent. Given the rise of serious legal
problems for Transgendered Folk lately, it is only a
matter of time before the Government starts prosecuting us for trying
to obtain drugs illegally. Think of the repercussions! You would
effectivly be outed to everyone. Arrests are published in the paper.
In addition you don't even want to be Transgendered in a jail house
for even a minute. If this sounds as if it is meant to scare you
it is meant to. This can happen.
Another reason to see a Doctor for hormones is your health. The
worst side effect of Female Hormones is the possibilty of Blood
Clots. In fact this happened to me , even under a Doctor's care.
A Blood Clot could literally kill you.
On
female hormones you can expect the following benefits:
Breast Development, Sense of calm, reduction in bodyhair, rounding
out of the body's shape, Softening of the skin, Possible thickening
of hair on your head, Change of interests, feminine thinking, possibility
of the change of sexual orientation, loss of fertility. possible
impotence. Hormones will not raise your voice or make your beard
disappear.
Before
taking Hormones you should realize that in a short time you WILL
become sterile. If you want children in your future please consider
Banking your sperm. There are fertility clinics
for this purpose.
As an alternative you can obtain herbal hormones legally. One such
place that I can vouch for is the Phoenix
Project I had blood tests which
indicated a drop in Testosterone and an elevation of Estrogen. So
it does work. There was some growth and a great sense of calm. Full
feminization however didn't occur until my Doctor prescribed Hormones.
This is what caused my blood clot. Hopefully I can continue on them
soon.
The other day in my chat room I was asked: "I'm a crossdresser
and I want to know what female hormones to take and where do I get
them from". As I started to explain the procedure I was interrupted
with: "No, I can't wait I need Hormones Now". Then she
ceremoniously left the room. This article is my response to her.
Three months is not long to wait for a prescription to hormones
that will forever change your body. A minute of compulsion could
be a recipe for disaster. Especially if you're not sure.
Again, this article is provided for information, nothing more. Its
up to you to do what you must.
Hormone
Links
