r/transontario • u/EnoughStudent3808 • 4h ago
SEEKING ADVICE Psychwards
5
Upvotes
Hello! Are there any trans-friendly psychwards in Ottawa, or surrounding cities? Ones that would use preferred name/pronouns, etc.
r/transontario • u/LordPhoenix82 • May 16 '21
RESOURCES HRT as a Minor Megathread
112
Upvotes
Hi all!
I've been seeing lots of posts here lately asking things like "I'm 17, can I get HRT?" and I thought it would be helpful for this subreddit to have one big thread to address that question. Below I've started writing some things, and I would like to know if anyone would be interested in adding on to this post (via comments and I'll add it later) so we have an up-to-date resource. I've done my best to only include information I know to be verifiably true, but please correct me if I have something wrong!
Disclaimer: None of us are acting as professional doctors or lawyers in this thread, so take our advice as the words of people who have experienced this, not as medical or legal advice.
Now, onto the questions and information:
"I'm a minor. Can I get HRT?"
Yes!
HRT in Ontario works on informed consent model, which, essentially, means that as long as you can understand the risks and benefits of a decision, you can make that decision.
Informed Consent does not explicitly outline an age where you are "able to make decisions". Therefore, it's up to your healthcare provider to assess your capacity to consent. In general, doctors are good about this, and as long as you know what the risks are, they'll give you the prescription.
"Will my parents know?"
The short answer is "if you don't want them to, then they won't". The long answer is more complicated than that. Let's start with getting the appointment:
Now that virtual appointments have been very unfortunately axed by good 'ole Doug Ford, in-person appointments are back to being some of the only options. In person appointments are obviously much more difficult to hide, as you need to physically go into the office and they often take longer.
Now, the ideal scenario is to explain to them what is going on and get their support, but obviously that doesn't work for everyone. If you're really in a pinch, lie. Make up symptoms that would send you to the doctor, and once you're there, explain the real problem. Often a great way to do this is to complain of symptoms of depression/anxiety, get a therapist, then talk about gender shit instead. This is not a recommended pathway. This is not sustainable. You have been warned.
In terms of your doctor blabbing to your parents:
Doctors are not allowed to disclose any personal information to any other person***
Patient privacy is a complicated beast, so I'll do my bets to explain here. According to PHIPA Section 23.1.i, any person, regardless of age, can decide to disclose or withhold medical information as long as they meet the criteria for informed consent. By default at a family doctor, your parents might be set up to know about your medical care. You have the right to remove them at any age as long as you understand the consequences of doing so. Ask about it. Voice your concerns. Self advocate.
The only time a doctor has to share your personal information comes in one of five circumstances:
"There are times the doctor has to breach confidentiality???"
Yes. There are five instances in which a doctor is allowed to disclose your personal information without your express consent (these are the same as a therapist, if you're interested). These apply to all patients, regardless of age:
- If the information is requested by a law enforcement agency or a court (as part of legal proceedings)
- This won't come into play for 99% of people, but if a court subpoenas information from your doctor, they are legally required to provide it.
- If there is neglect by another medical official (doctor, dentist, therapist, nurse, support worker, etc).
- Your care provider is required to inform the relevant authority (usually a medical board) so they can face disciplinary action.
- If you have intention to commit a crime or cause harm to another person.
- The standard here often requires an actual plan, and for it to be reasonable that you would actually carry out the act. Simply saying "sometimes my brother makes me angry and I want to hit him" would not invoke this exception because there is no direct plan, nor is there an indication that the action would be certain to be carried out.
- You have an intention to harm yourself
- This is by far the most controversial exception. Legally, your care provider is required to inform the authorities (usually police) if you intend to hurt or kill yourself. Most physicians understand that suicidal ideation (thinking of suicide) and having a suicide plan are different. This exception should only be invoked if there is a plan for self harm or suicide, not if there are thoughts or previous instances of it, however, it is always best to gauge what your physician will report.
- If there is evidence or reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect of a person under the age of 16
- This includes sexual, emotional, physical abuse. Your physician has a duty to report it to either the appropriate children's aid society or abuse reporting centre. Same as #4, there can be situations where this gets tricky, and healthy doses of good judgement are in order
In general, you should always ask what information can be shared, and always ask questions surrounding consent and patient privacy.
Your doctor has to answer this, and they will often be eager to explain this as it's a very, very important part of practicing medicine.
"I thought you had to be sixteen to consent to treatment and remove parents from patient information?"
So did I, friend. But, as u/stacyah helpfully pointed out, this is not true. The confusion stems from a part of the code that says that at sixteen years of age, you can designate a person to be privy to your health information. However, you are able to decide who knows what at any age, as long as it's within the exceptions above.
I'm 12/13/14? Can I still get HRT then?"
Absolutely!
Informed consent does not have a defined age range. If you are able to consent, you are able to receive treatment. Obviously, there are added social challenges the younger you are as you seek transition care. However, legally speaking, there should be no additional barriers for you seeking treatment.
"Will I have to pay for anything?"
If you are eligible for OHIP, all consultations with your doctor will be free. Always bring your health card to your visits.
Drugs are first checked with your insurance provider, so if you have an open file with a pharmacy and they have a parents' insurance it will always go there first. If you aren't covered by private insurance and you're under 25, you're eligible for OHIP+, which you can learn more about here. There is still sometimes a co-pay with insurance, which can be frustrating. Typically though these costs are low ($5-$10). Seeking injected estradiol specifically also incurs an additional cost as you have to visit a compounding pharmacy, which is typically more expensive than your regular Costco or Rexall.
There are also two other relevant programs, the Ontario Drug Benefit and the Trillium Drug Benefit. These are based on income and can be accessed by residents over the age of 25. You can learn more about the Trillium Drug Benefit here.
This link will allow you to check the eligibility of most medications in Ontario.
Covered by OHIP+?
| Estradiol (oral) | Covered |
|---|---|
| Estradiol (injected) | Not covered |
| Estradiol (gel) | EAP Only* |
| Estrogen (patches) | Unknown |
| Progesterone (oral) | EAP Only* |
| Testosterone (oral) | Covered (link) |
| Testosterone (injected) | Some Restrictions, can still be covered |
| Testosterone (gel) | Covered |
| Cyproterone/Bicalutamide/Sprionalactone | Covered |
*Covered only under the Exceptional Access Program (https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/drugs/eap_mn.aspx#:~:text=The%20Exceptional%20Access%20Program%20(%20EAP,Drug%20Benefit%20(%20ODB%20)%20program%20program).)
Hope this helps, and please feel free to add anything I missed in the comments!
Thanks to u/stacyah and u/Valtharius for the information about informed consent!
Edit 1: Fixed lots of info about informed consent. Thanks u/stayah and u/Valtharius for the help!
Edit 2: Formatting and updates to drug coverage/how OHIP works
r/transontario • u/Mizzclawsgalore • Dec 12 '24
RESOURCES A Huge [Gender Affirming Resources Ontario] Spreadsheet. Includes: HRT, healthcare providers, compounding pharmacies, needle supply, gender gear and funds, name change clinics, allied health professionals, permanent hair removal, surgery, and helpful links.
146
Upvotes
Hello everyone,
I'm on this sub (and on Discord) quite a bit, and felt the need to have some kind of community resource compiling various types of resources concerning gender affirming care. We have so many questions about where to start HRT every week, and I'm really hoping this document is able to help some people. It is still in progress in some areas, and I won't be able to work on it until after exams, but it will be continuously updated once I get the time.
Here is the link, it is sortable and filterable if you download a copy, but please refer back to the main document to stay up to date:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/111o63Tvt20heohe9KtRW_AZPBKOz4kpZ1pb7r0CJpvU/edit?usp=sharing
The sections are:
- HRT, surgery assessments, and post-op care
- Includes nurse practitioners, family physicians, endocrinologists, pediatricians, and OB/GYNs from all over Ontario
- Includes private pay and OHIP-covered options, virtual and in-person options, and options for minors
- Wait times are listed to the best of my ability
- I will be adding more to this list at the end of December
- Compounding pharmacies
- Injection supplies
- Permanent Hair Removal
- Includes electrolysis and laser
- Practitioners that perform pre-op clearance are listed
- Wait times are listed to the best of my ability
- Name Change Clinics
- Gender Affirming Surgery (WIP)
- Gender Affirming Gear/Funds
- Includes shops which sell packers, STPs, binders, gaffs, breast forms etc.,
- Also includes programs which will fund gender gear and other transition-related costs
- Allied Health Professionals
- Currently only includes voice coaches and speech-language pathologists
- Helpful Links (WIP)
If you have any feedback, additions, or corrections, you can comment on the spreadsheet or here and I will see to it, thank you very much!
r/transontario • u/Tiredlibero • 2h ago
SEEKING ADVICE Androgel price
4
Upvotes
My doctor gave me prescription for androgel that ended up being nearly $200. Is this the normal price? I expected it to be around 100ish dollars but it was around 190. Im not under OHIP+ (bc i have school insurance) so i was just wondering if this was normal
r/transontario • u/Kenny_bo_benny • 1d ago
Permanent Hair Removal in Ottawa
26
Upvotes
Hello folks!
Time for You Electrolysis in Ottawa is currently accepting new clients, and we would like to bring Natalie into the spotlight.
Natalie is kind-hearted, gentle handed, and passionate about trans focused care. Please feel free to email or call us with any questions or to book an assessment.
Thank you, and have lovely day! đ
r/transontario • u/NVElectrolysis • 1d ago
GTA NV Electrolysis Updates (Toronto)
24
Upvotes
Hey all!
My name's Nat, I'm an electrologist in Toronto - I run NV Electrolysis which is a trans owned and operated clinic.
I last posted here a couple years ago after a client recommended it, and wanted to say hi again with some updates.
- Most importantly: Our intake is open, we're mostly caught up to our wait-list. It's a great time to say hi and start electrolysis.
- We hired 3 more electrologists, and a fourth is currently training!
- We moved to a new clinic space, then doubled in size again into the office next door in the Annex
- We hired a nurse to aid in a process we're calling NELI for surgery prep clearances (Nurse-assisted Electrolysis w/ Lidocaine Injections).
Interested in electrolysis? I'm not sure if reddit will let me post links lest I draw the ire of the spam filter, but if you google NV Electrolysis you'll find us and our contact page :)
Thanks to all our clients and our community for the continued support and trust <3
r/transontario • u/HeadProfessional6591 • 1d ago
SEEKING ADVICE Should I wait until I'm 18 to legally change my name?
5
Upvotes
I'm currently 15, and I really want to get my name legally changed.
Im holding off for 2 main reasons: 1) My parents 2) Legal stuff
I dont think my parents will agree to me legally changing my name, but I'm hopeful that they might agree when I turn 16, or maybe now if I'm lucky.
As for the legal stuff, I'm worried that it's more complicated to get my name changed as a minor because of school, IDs, bank account, and stuff that I might not even be thinking about. I could do it, but Im worried my parents won't do everything-- I would do it if I could, I just dont think Im allowed to do it-- and it will mess me up in the future. I do know when I turn 18, I get my GOV ID, drivers license, pretty much documents and IDs, and I dont want to have to go through the process of all that.
I have known I was trans since I was 10, and I have been socially transitioning since then too. I came out to my parents at 12, so they know it's been at least 3 years. I also have my real name on my school documents instead of my dead name. I've had this name since I was about 13, 12/13. Im completely stealth irl. I want to change my legal name so bad but I idk if that's the right decision. If my parents were to agree, should I change it now or wait?
r/transontario • u/NormalEgg7528 • 18h ago
DISCUSSION Electrolysis
0
Upvotes
So i just did my electrolysis online theory and I will be moving on to the physical part
r/transontario • u/louytwosocks • 1d ago
SEEKING ADVICE Canada Life Gender Affirming Care Coverage
3
Upvotes
Hello! My work has coverage with Canada Life for Gender Affirming care and I am trying to utilize it! They do not have a list of covered procedures so Iâm curious - Does anyone here have experience with getting claims accepted or denied and if so, what were they and how did the process go?
Thank you!
r/transontario • u/Nice-Professional-87 • 1d ago
Breast augmentation, HRT struggles and OHIP coverage in Ontario â Looking for advice đđłïžââ§ïž
1
Upvotes
ÂĄHola, chicas! đ
Soy una mujer trans que vive en Toronto, Ontario, y de verdad agradecerĂa algunos consejos de otras mujeres trans que hayan pasado por algo parecido.
Llevo un tiempo en terapia hormonal (HRT), pero mi proceso no ha sido el mĂĄs fĂĄcil.
Al principio empecĂ© con estradiol oral, pero recientemente cambiĂ© a parches de estrĂłgeno. Lamentablemente, me estĂĄn causando un montĂłn de problemas porque se despegan todo el tiempo y no se quedan bien pegados a mi piel. Ahora estoy tratando de ver cuĂĄl serĂa un mejor mĂ©todo para tomar estrĂłgeno.
Otra cosa que me ha frustrado es el desarrollo de mis senos. NotĂ© algo de crecimiento durante mi transiciĂłn, pero en algĂșn punto sentĂ que mi progreso se frenĂł muchĂsimo o incluso se estancĂł por completo. No he visto mucho crecimiento adicional, y no sĂ© si esto tiene que ver con mis niveles de hormonas, con los cambios en la medicaciĂłn o simplemente con cĂłmo responde mi cuerpo a la HRT.
Por eso, he estado pensando en serio en una cirugĂa de aumento de senos. Pero no estoy segura de si deberĂa buscar la cirugĂa ahora o enfocarme en estabilizar mi tratamiento hormonal y darle mĂĄs tiempo a mi cuerpo.
Tengo unas preguntas:
¿Alguien ha tenido el crecimiento de los senos estancado mientras estaba en HRT? ¿Cambiar el método de estrógeno o ajustar los niveles hormonales hizo alguna diferencia?
¿A alguien le ha costado que los parches de estrógeno se mantengan pegados? ¿Qué alternativas les funcionaron mejor?
ÂżEl aumento de senos estĂĄ cubierto por el OHIP en Ontario para mujeres trans con desarrollo mamario limitado?
ÂżCuĂĄles son los requisitos y quĂ© tan difĂcil es el proceso de aprobaciĂłn?
ÂżCuĂĄnto tiempo esperaste para la cirugĂa a travĂ©s del OHIP?
Para quienes pagaron de forma privada: ÂżcuĂĄnto costĂł todo el procedimiento?
ÂżRecomiendan esperar mĂĄs para ver si la HRT mejora el desarrollo de los senos, pedir la cobertura del OHIP, o ahorrar para una cirugĂa privada?
De verdad quiero tomar la mejor decisiĂłn para mĂ, tanto en lo fĂsico como en lo financiero.
El aumento de senos es algo que llevo pensando hace un buen rato, pero no quiero lanzarme a la cirugĂa si todavĂa hay posibilidad de que mi desarrollo mejore con un tratamiento hormonal mĂĄs constante.
Me encantarĂa muchĂsimo escuchar sus experiencias, recomendaciones y consejos, especialmente de chicas que viven en Ontario.
ÂĄMuchas gracias por su apoyo! đđłïžââ§ïž
Update: More details about my HRT journey, dosages and breast development đđłïžââ§ïž
Hi girls! đ
Thank you so much to everyone who has commented and shared their experiences. Iâve noticed that several people have been asking how long Iâve been on HRT, what medications Iâm taking, and what happened with my estrogen patches, so I wanted to provide a little update.
My HRT journey:
Iâve been on hormone replacement therapy for approximately 1 year and 10 months.
When I first started, I was taking 50 mg of spironolactone twice a day (100 mg total), along with oral estradiol.
Over time, my treatment and dosages have changed.
My current medications are:
Estradiol: 2 mg twice daily (4 mg total per day).
Spironolactone: 250 mg total per day.
What happened with the estrogen patches?
About a month ago, I switched from oral estradiol to estrogen patches. My doctor started me on the lowest initial patch dose.
Unfortunately, the experience hasnât been great.
I tried so many different ways to keep the patches attached to my skin, including changing application areas and trying different techniques, but nothing seemed to work consistently.
The patches would constantly peel off, sometimes wouldnât last as long as they were supposed to, and occasionally caused itching or skin irritation.
I also sweat quite a lot, which made keeping them attached even more difficult.
Eventually, I ran out of patches, and I havenât been able to get a response from my doctor yet. Iâm still waiting for my next appointment.
Because of this, Iâve gone back to taking oral estradiol at 2 mg twice daily.
What about my breast development?
This is honestly one of my biggest concerns.
During my transition, I did experience some breast development, but there was a period when it seemed like everything slowed down or stopped progressing.
I donât know whether this was related to my hormone levels, inconsistent estrogen absorption, or simply my bodyâs natural response to HRT.
After almost two years on hormones, I was hoping to see more breast development, which is one of the reasons Iâve been considering breast augmentation surgery.
Iâve also been curious about estrogen injections.
Iâve heard that injections can be a good alternative for some trans women, especially those who have difficulties with patches or oral medication.
However, when I asked about them at my clinic, I was told that getting injectable estrogen in Canada could be complicated.
Iâd really love to know if any girls in Ontario, especially Toronto, have been able to access estrogen injections.
How did you get them prescribed?
Are they available through regular pharmacies or compounding pharmacies?
How much do they cost?
Did switching to injections make any difference in your overall HRT experience or breast development?
Iâd also love your opinions on my current situation.
Considering that Iâve been on HRT for almost two years, have experienced some difficulties with my estrogen treatment, and havenât seen much additional breast growth, what would you recommend?
Should I focus on getting my hormone levels checked and finding a more consistent estrogen method before considering breast augmentation?
Has anyone experienced something similar and eventually noticed more breast development?
And for those who have gone through breast augmentation in Ontario, would you recommend applying for OHIP coverage or saving up for private surgery?
Iâm not looking to make medication changes based solely on Reddit advice. Iâd just really appreciate hearing about your experiences while I wait to speak with my doctor.
Thank you again for all your support and kindness. It really means a lot! đđłïžââ§ïž
r/transontario • u/help_me_for_real • 2d ago
DISCUSSION Looking for trans friends
11
Upvotes
I dont have many irls and would love to meet more in town of lincoln area
r/transontario • u/ZestycloseSection219 • 2d ago
DHT for bottom growth
4
Upvotes
Hey,
I couldn't find any related thread - if such exists, I will appreciate the link.
Is DHT cream available in Canada?
I'm nonbinary afab and would like to have bottom growth, but I don't want to be fully transitioning with standard dose of HRT. I heard about DHT cream which can support bottom growth but will not cause other masculinity effects - which would be the effect I want, as at this point I would prefer my body not to be changing much into male.
I will appreciate any insights from you about this topic.
r/transontario • u/villianboy • 2d ago
SEEKING ADVICE help with transition questions. MtF
6
Upvotes
So for starters im 29, and moved here from the US a few years ago as I got married to my spouse. I have a few questions about transitioning because I only really finally came out (to myself and those around me) very recently.
1) How would/do I get HRT and such? Like should I just talk to my doctor and hope for the best or should I see about finding a different place to talk to or???
2) Coverage. I am like 99.9% sure I am not covered by OHIP because of my age, so what is the best thing to do for coverage, as I only have a part-time job that does not provide coverage.
3) What is the overall experience here like for transitioning. I have heard some horror stories down south which by and large shaped why I was afraid of even wanting to come out for so very long
4) What are some good resources to look into, I am totally new at all this and have been scrambling to find stuff in general because it's all just very new to me
r/transontario • u/Tiredlibero • 1d ago
SEEKING ADVICE journey on microdosing T?
0
Upvotes
Hello! I recently got 1% gel 25mg. I plan on just continuing on a low dose and If any of you microdose id really appreciate knowing the timeline of your changes.
r/transontario • u/Amanwithnotoes • 2d ago
Looking for hormone replacement therapy help.
9
Upvotes
Hi there, I am a 20 year old trans woman currently living in the northern Ontario area. I am hoping to get some answers regarding hormone replacement therapy in Ontario.
What I mainly need assistance with is acquiring an individual OHIP plan, or my own insurance. I currently am under a family plan from my parents and am looking to separate from them, that way I can get hrt without having to worry about them finding out. Is there anything in particular that must be done to get your own insurance? Ive been living in Ontario all my life, but I am a bit short on cash currently, so I dont know if that factor will affect anything.
Secondly, is injectable form of estrogen covered by OHIP. Ive looked over what OHIP covers, and I saw several different form of estrogen ranging from pills to gel, but no injectable form. Ive overall heard its the best for development and overall health so I am trying to aim for that.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!
r/transontario • u/ronacse359 • 3d ago
OHIP PSA: Want OHIP coverage for psychotherapy/mental health coverage? Help get signatures for the petition! (links at end of post)
31
Upvotes
Marinela Trickett (a psychotherapist in Guelph) has launched a petition to make OHIP include mental health (namely, psychotherapy) coverage. As someone who has personally faced many barriers (financial or otherwise) in accessing mental health services, this is something that could be life-changing, and I'm sure many others share these experiences. If this is something you want to see happen, please help sign the petition! IMPORTANT: The Ontario Legislature only accepts original hand-written signatures. Please print the document and physically sign it, and help get other people to sign too!
Completed petition forms can be mailed to Trickett Psychotherapy, 34 Harvard Road, Unit 2, Guelph, ON N1G 4V8; if cost is an issue, I will be more than happy to personally pick it up and mail it for you!
Petition press release: https://ohipforpsychotherapy.ca/press.php
Show your support online (note: the phsyical petition is still the only legally-recognized means): https://ohipforpsychotherapy.ca/#sign
Petition (English) to print: https://ohipforpsychotherapy.ca/docs/petition-ohip-psychotherapy-EN.pdf
Petition (French) to print: https://ohipforpsychotherapy.ca/docs/petition-psychotherapie-OHIP-FR.pdf
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Marinela Trickett. This is something I'm doing on my own time because I believe in how meaningful it is.
r/transontario • u/tamallama • 3d ago
SEEKING ADVICE Combining GRS with Ontario clinic
1
Upvotes
Hello! I have been doing my research on surgeons and clinics trying to decide which is best for me in terms of results + affordability. Right now Iâm setting up a consultation with catalyst surgical (recommended by a friend) for top surgery, but Iâm also interested in getting abdominal gender affirming lipo (which they do offer) to achieve a more masculine silhouette. I am already a very thin person, this is the kind of fat distribution that wonât go away even when Iâm underweight or more muscular, unfortunately.
I have benefits through my spouse that covers up to $15000 for life for GA care, and Iâm trying to budget out how best to spend it.
Would anyone know if it would be possible to go to GRS for the initial, fully covered top surgery, and then a local clinic for fine tuning? Do they allow things like that?
r/transontario • u/Sharp-Cup-4719 • 3d ago
BA - Dr.Pirani vs Dr.Beber?
7
Upvotes
To the dolls based in Toronto/Canada, do ya'll have any Breast Augmentation experience with Dr.Pirani and/or Dr.Beber?
I see that Dr.Beber does some gender affirming stuff, but does anyone have experience with Dr.Pirani? I've heard he's one of the best in Canada for BA's, and just want to know if he will understand the intricacies of what's needed for transfem patients: ie: wide chest, preventing animation deformity (dual plane is his specialty). Also just general bedside manner with trans patients.
Thanks so much!!!
r/transontario • u/PuzzleheadedFoot44 • 3d ago
Queer housing Ottawa
6
Upvotes
Hi! I'd really like to attend the St-Paul university in Ottawa , but I wonder of there is any way to access affordable housing, especially queer groups like in Rimouski or Montreal. Any pointers on flatmates facebook groups that are queer or communal? Anything on communal living? If you have pointers, that'd be great! Thank yoou!
r/transontario • u/plastyc78 • 4d ago
SEEKING ADVICE HRT/transition process?
7
Upvotes
Hello all! I'm a transgender 17 year old guy currently living in the states, but I'll be moving to Ontario next fall for university (I'm a citizen through my parents).
I've heard plenty about the process of getting HRT and surgeries etc in the states, but I have no idea where to start when I get to Canada.
How early can I get started with HRT? How do I actually start? Any and all advice is GREATLY appreciated, explain it to me like I know nothing since I basically don't lol!!
r/transontario • u/Judy_Harwood412 • 5d ago
PSA for anyone taking bioidentical progesterone in Ontario
34
Upvotes
Hi all, I'm a trans girl living east of Toronto and I recently started progesterone almost 2 weeks ago. At first I was worried about having to pay the ~$90 a month for the prescription but my provider told me it could be insured under an EAP (Exceptional Access Program) which they told me they'd apply for. At first I was skeptical about it being approved because why would the government willingly cover an expensive medication such as this one BUT IT GOT APPROVED AND I PAY NOTHING. For everyone else in Ontario taking progesterone GET YOUR DOCTOR TO SUBMIT A REQUEST FOR AN EAP
r/transontario • u/AdEcstatic4009 • 5d ago
SEEKING ADVICE For my stealth tgirls
14
Upvotes
How do you make friends and how do you deal with negative feelings towards pasaingv
Iâll be honest i look up to the bravery and self esteem my ânon passingâ tgirl friends have because if it were not for them i wouldâve kept doing what they said was âboy moding while being stealthâ according to them atleast.
So okay fine, eventually i wore the dress etc and yeah, because of those friends i then realized i have a privilege..
So, how do you deal with that if you feel like youâre hurting them even tho they say you arenât?
How do you make friends that i guess, are on that âpassingâ level or do stealth people usually just disappear into the sea of cis girls?
Iâm never leaving my friends who got me to realize how fortunate i am, but sometimes iâd like to add to my friends and see if there is a different culture or whatever to those who do.
r/transontario • u/Mia-the-Sage • 5d ago
Timing blood tests
8
Upvotes
I'm feeling frustrated with the doctors I've been working with on my medical transition. Perhaps it's simply my inexperience, but I'll just dive-in and explain my circumstances: I'm trying to understand if this is normal in Ontario.
TL;DR: My first blood test I was told to take at mid and at peak by two different doctors. My second test I'm being told to take at mid-point. Personally, the number I'm interested in is trough -- I have osteoporosis and a long history of issues with hot-flashes that got terribly worse when I started HRT. What's the deal with Ontario doctors not testing at trough?
When I was given my Rx at my informed consent appointment I was started on 50 mcg patches and they were explicit: Do your blood test two days after you change patch, "we want a snapshot of your serum levels at the mid-point" between peak and trough. This struck me as odd, especially when my research seemed to show that most trans women are testing their serum levels at trough.
Before I'd made it that far in my journey, I switched to gel (and because my clinic refused to discuss injections I found an alternative clinic... while talking to the doctor at the second clinic [and having already switched to gel] they asked me to do my test at peak, 3-4 hours after I put on my gel. ooookay, sure. I did.
Aside: on 1.5 mg/day of gel I was barely reaching 100 pg/mL at peak, when I did the first test.
My GP and GAC at my home clinic were happy with the levels, and gave me no space to discuss my terrible hot flashes (i.e. being held in menopause -- having osteoporosis, I was exceptionally unhappy with this 'outcome').
The GAC at the second clinic also expressed they felt my serum level was fine, but seeing I wasn't satisfied they allowed me to double my dose to 3.0 mg/day of gel. This didn't make much impact, and when I went back and asked for injections they're once again asking for a mid-point test, 3.5 days after injection (starting me at 3.0 mg/week IM EV).
I already know I'm still being under-dosed; I took my first shot (0.3 mL of 10 mg/mL sesame E17b ester) Sunday, and after two nights free of hot flashes they came back... worse on night 4 than on night 3. So, day five, I took my second shot (0.21 ml to maintain ~0.42 mg/day). Surprise, surprise, no hot-flashes last night!
It's a low trough that gives me un-wanted side-effects. Can we test my trough, please! I'm wanting to advocate for this at my next appointment, but also... I'm of half a mind to simply do my next test at trough anyway.... I've done so much research these past five months I'm feeling more qualified to monitor and manage my serum levels than these 'experts' I'm forced to deal with (I'm sure a fat-head from my honors in biotechnology isn't helping, but for real -- what's with all these Ontario doctors seeking peak and mid-point serum levels and never asking for trough? [Or do I just have bad-luck in finding doctors?]).