Does anyone here know if you have to be 18 to get hormones via informed consent? I have read conflicting things on the internet...some people say that you must be a legal adult...but I have also heard stuff that indicated some minors can get hormones this way...does it vary from place to place, and if so, would it be a good idea to contact specific clinics and ask their policy on treating minors? I do have permission from both parents, if that helps. I do turn 18 at the end of November, but I would prefer not to wait that long...trying to figure out if it's quicker to wait until my birthday, or to try seeing a gender therapist instead.
You can't get HRT without at least one legal guardian signing off on it, at least in the US. I am a minor but I am starting testosterone the second I can self-inject and get my blood drawn without fears. ^_^ My mom is supportive, so she'll be the one signing off on it, and since my dad doesn't have legal custody of me, he can't do anything about it.
Both of my parents are okay with me taking hormones so that isn't a problem luckily...my worry is whether there's different age guidelines for getting hormones the traditional way (through a gender therapist) or through an informed consent clinic...trying to figure out the fastest way to get T.
There aren't any guidelines for age so long as your parents are okay with it. What you need to do is find a gender therapist- The more urban of an area you live, the easier it is- and after a session or two that therapist will write you a letter of recommendation. What you need to do is have one of your parents speak with the gender therapist in advanced and make sure they're the right one for you. :/ Trust me, there will be "gender therapists" you find that aren't exactly open to the idea of gender identity, and you'll also need to make sure that therapist will even write a letter of recommendation to a minor in the first place. Most will after a few sessions of what is basically them politely interrogating you, while others won't give you that letter. Still, most WILL tell you in the beginning of you explaining that you're here to get a letter of recommendation if they feel uncomfortable giving you one: Most therapists are fairly honest about the intentions they have towards their clients, such as their willingness to do something like that. I am going to see my therapist Wednesday, so I'll definitely make a thread and personally tell you how it goes if I remember to. XD I'm a forgetful person though. You know of all the changes AND health risks that go along with HRT, right? You also know of all the blood tests you'll probably need, right? I'm just asking because a lot of people who start testosterone know some but not ALL of the risks that can come with taking T. If you want, I can give you some links to help provide additional insight to anything you want to know. I'm happy to see another trans man under eighteen on here ready to start testosterone. It makes me feel a lot less nervous! Lol (*hug*)
Cool that you're on track to get T...I am curious what therapists are like, I'm sure they're all different but the idea of getting evaluated by a therapist is slightly weird to me...still if I have to do it for T then I will. Pretty sure I know the effects/risks of T...slightly nervous but mostly excited. And cool to see another trans guy under 18, and helpful since it's a slightly different process...thanks for the therapist info too .
Trust me, most of the time when you get evaluated it doesn't even feel like a real evaluation. Just answer the questions honestly. I'll tell you now that the questions are almost always things like "How long have you known you were transgender? Was it hard for you to come out? Why do you want to start testosterone? Are you sure you know all the risks?". Those are always the sort of general things asked by gender therapists. I've been to a gender therapist before this one who was really nice but I couldn't continue going to her due to insurance issues, but I can assure you that you'll usually find out pretty quickly if that therapist is right for you or not. Of course, sometimes you and your therapist don't get along as people but get along as patient and therapist- A lot of people experience that middle-ground, and that's fine. XD I'm not in a therapist's office to talk politics, ya know? And I doubt you are either. Just in case, I'm going to give you some links on testosterone side effects. I mean, I'm sure you did some research yourself, but it's always good to double-check. Basic testosterone effects: Transgender Health & Transitioning | Revel & Riot Lab tests you'll probably need, side effects, general warnings and stuff about egg banking before-hand if that interests you: Hudson's Guide: FTM Testosterone Therapy and General Health
Well those don't sound like too difficult questions so that's good to know...thanks for the links, I'll read them, always good to review.
Well going on hormones is a very serious decision and there is a reason they want you to see a therapist first, especially as a minor. I would avoid trying to get on T "as fast as possible" and try to go through the whole process. A gender therapist can be very helpful resource in getting your feelings sorted out and helping you through transition, including giving important referrals to transfriendly doctors and helping your parents understand what you're going through. They aren't there to convince you not to go on hormones. In the USA, we are lucky that we don't have to go on long waiting lists to see a specialist. Seeing a gender therapist can only help you.
I understand that, but I've wanted to be on T for years...I didn't think it was such an issue because I'm not really jumping into it, I feel like I've had a long time to consider it. I know that hormones are very serious...maybe a therapist would've been more helpful a few years ago, but I feel like I've figured it out on my own pretty well. I don't even know for sure that I'm not going to see a therapist anyways. I don't think it's wrong to go the informed consent route if you know what you want already, but that's just my opinion.
