Getting on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in Michigan involves finding a doctor or clinic that provides HRT services, getting a diagnosis of gender dysphoria, undergoing any required assessments, and obtaining a prescription for hormones. The process differs slightly depending on your age.
For adults
The key steps are:
- Find an HRT provider. Options include endocrinologists, doctors at LGBTQ clinics, Planned Parenthood, or independent clinics like New Beginnings HRT Clinic. Search online directories or contact local LGBTQ organizations for recommendations. New Beginnings HRT Clinic has caring doctors and offers personalized transition services.
- Get assessed. Your doctor will assess your medical history, goals for transition, and mental health to determine if HRT is appropriate for you. Blood tests may be ordered. Some doctors require letters from mental health professionals.
- Obtain prescription. If deemed an appropriate candidate, your doctor can prescribe estrogen, testosterone blockers for transfeminine people, or testosterone for transmasculine people. Most insurance plans cover some transition-related care.
For minors
The process for minors to access HRT involves:
- Finding doctors who provide gender-affirming care to youth, such as those at pediatric LGBTQ clinics or youth gender clinics. New Beginnings HRT Clinic has experience assisting young people.
- Getting a gender dysphoria diagnosis from a mental health professional.
- Starting puberty blockers first to pause physical changes at the onset of puberty.
- Being assessed for readiness and getting parental consent to start cross sex hormones around age 16.
Types of HRT
There are a few options for transfeminine and transmasculine HRT:
Transfeminine HRT
- Estrogen - estrogen pills, patches, gels or injections to induce feminization
- Testosterone blockers - spironolactone, GnRH analogues
- Progesterone (sometimes)
Transmasculine HRT
- Testosterone - testosterone pills, gels, patches or injections
- Estrogen blockers (sometimes)
Monitoring on HRT
Once you start HRT, your doctor will monitor your progress and health via:
- Hormone level tests
- Blood counts
- Measurements like weight, blood pressure
- Checking for adverse effects
- Assessing mental health and transition progress
Follow up varies, but frequent visits are common when first starting HRT. Monitoring ensures hormones are in the ideal range to maximize benefits and minimize risks.
In Conclusion
- Adults can access HRT by finding a suitable doctor and getting assessed
- Minors require diagnosis, treatment at youth gender clinics, and parental consent
- There are a range of estrogen or testosterone delivery options
- Doctors monitor patients to ensure safe and effective treatment
I hope this overview on how to access HRT in Michigan was helpful! Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions.
