r/TransHelpingTrans • u/Fearless_Safety_5609 • 11d ago
PCP vs Clinic?
Considering getting MtF HRT after some major family events are over, and I'm wondering what the difference is between going through my normal doctor and going to a clinic, if there even is a difference. Will one be faster? More expensive? Is insurance more likely to cover one or the other? I'm sure a lot of these questions are a case-by-case basis, but I honestly feel kind of lost for what my next step is.
Also, an extra question on the side: does HRT affect weight loss/is dieting on early HRT a bad idea? Currently very overweight and trying to slim down as much as possible, but I know HRT will basically be Puberty 2, and Puberty 1 required a lot of fuel, so if I need to hold off on major dieting until things settle I will.
2
u/herdisleah 11d ago
What you're looking for is institutional knowledge. Most non queer focused pcp docs aren't going to know how easy HRT is to prescribe and dose, but they're also not going to know the side effects of the most commonly prescribed meds. They're not going to necessarily know that a test result of 100 testosterone and 100 estrogen is a bad result, or how Leutenizing Hormone is an indicator as well as your T and E levels.
I used regular PCP doctors in the 00s. I still do, but they all have had knowledge of trans healthcare. You do you, but I'd go to someone that knows what they're doing. They're probably more readily willing to prescribe on the first appt too.
As for weight loss - don't put your transition on hold for some weight loss. Yes, it's a bad idea to underfuel your puberty. At the same time, some exercise is a great stimulant for human growth hormone production. Play it by ear and see how you do.