Starting medical treatment

In Australia, depending on your state or territory, getting started with medical transition differs slightly from state to state.

Wherever you live in Australia, your very first step is always your GP (general practitioner). Why? because only your GP can provide you with referral letters to any other medical providers you might want to see.  

Whether you decide to see an endocrinologist first or you want to start transition through a clinic, your GP will ask why you want the referral letter. It is strongly recommended you tell your GP honestly what you’re feeling, why you want to start hormones and a little bit about how you came to this decision. This is not a test.

Describe yourself in your own terms. Don’t try to ‘second-guess’ what your GP might or might not want to hear. You might have heard some talk that doctors want to hear ‘certain phrases’ or descriptions. This is not true. There are no ‘right’, ‘wrong’ or ‘better’ answers. Speak your own truth.

Don’t be afraid to admit your fears or worries either. If you’re worried about side effects, risks or the long-term effects on your health on testosterone, tell your GP. It doesn’t mean they’re going to talk you out of starting treatment. Being honest with your doctors about any concerns or fears you might have shows you’re thinking about this step carefully. Your GP should listen to you and take you seriously.

Depending on where you live in Australia, your GP can write you a referral letter to an endocrinologist (endo) or a clinic. If you’ve chosen to see an endo, be aware they usually specialise. Some endos only see people who have diabetes while others see people who have metabolic problems. You need an endocrinologist who specialises in sex hormones and can get you started on testosterone treatment.

FTM Australia offers a Health and Service Providers (HSP) List which is regularly updated by others just like you.  The HSP list can help you find a GP or endocrinologist who is familiar with treating others like yourself or if your GP doesn’t know who can help you start medical transition, click here to get a free copy of the HSP List from FTM Australia.

page updated 19 June 2011