Medication

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What alternatives are available to Finasteride?

If you have already tried Finasteride and have been advised to consider an alternative, we recommend either GnRH blockers (puberty blockers) or Spironolactone. The GnRH blockers are the gold standard blocker, but are quite expensive at between £180 and £300 every 12 weeks depending on the option chosen. Some of the nasal sprays are cheaper than the injections. If you opt for the nasal spray, we will arrange a paper prescription for this if you live in the UK. However, you should be aware that ...

I am currently being prescribed testogel and would like to switch to testosterone injections. How do I do this?

In most cases we advise gel administration on testosterone for the first three months to help mitigate potential side effects and provide the body time to adapt to changes. After this time we can look at changing to injections if requested via a treatment review here: https://www.gendergp.com/help-centre/treatment-review/

Do you prescribe oestrogen injections?

Unfortunately oestrogen injections are not currently available via UK pharmacies.

Do I have to take testogel for three months before switching to injections?

While it is advised to take Testogel for three months before switching to injections, exceptions can be made on a case by case basis.

Why have I been prescribed a low dose of hormones?

We prescribe in accordance with international best practice, starting on a small dose and gradually increasing it based on your bloodwork until you reach the optimum level. For instance, with oestrogen pills (oestradiol valerate) we would typically begin around 1-2mg daily, but our protocols do not exceed a maximum dosage of 8mg daily. Dosages in excess of 8mg would need to be signed off by our medical team in each case, although it is highly unlikely that this will be required. Excessive oes...

Why has my dosage increased since my last prescription?

All treatment recommendations are based on the most recent blood test results and feedback provided to us for review. Changes to your treatment are based on our medical teams review of this information to ensure the safest and smoothest transition for you.

Why has my dosage decreased since my last prescription?

All treatment recommendations are based on the most recent blood test results and feedback provided to us for review. Changes to your treatment are based on our medical teams review of this information to ensure the safest and smoothest transition for you.

Why do I still experience menstruation even though I am on testosterone?

Testosterone treatment should eventually stop your monthly cycle altogether, exact times for this vary from person to person. If you would like to address this sooner, we can look at adding a puberty blocker to your treatment, or by maximising testosterone therapy to cisgender male levels. Some transmasculine people also use the progesterone only pill or injection (such as cerezette or cerelle) to control their monthly cycle.

How long do I have to wait to shower after applying gel medication?

You should wait at least 2 hours before showering/swimming to allow the medication to be absorbed through the skin.

Can I request a one month bridging prescription whilst I wait for my blood tests to come back?

Yes we can arrange a one month bridging prescription while you have pending bloodwork. This can be requested here: https://www.gendergp.com/help-centre/request-a-prescription/

Do I need a note/letter to travel with medication?

There is no legal or regulatory requirement for you to carry a letter for gender-affirming medication, such as testosterone, when you travel. All you need to do is to make sure your medication is in the original pharmacy packaging with your name on it. However, if you are concerned and you would like a letter to confirm that this medication was prescribed to you, we can create one for an administrative fee of £25. This can be requested here: https://www.gendergp.com/help-centre/document-service...

I’m moving to another country, how will I receive my medication once I’m there.

While this can vary depending on the countries our partner pharmacies can deliver to the UK and most EU countries and paper prescriptions can also be provided for these locations. For other locations outside the UK and EU we can provide treatment summary letters if you have a local doctor willing to assist you.

I’m afraid of my prescription being delayed, can I order a one month emergency supply to use incase of any future delays?

If you believe there is a delay with your prescription please request an update on it's status here: https://care.gendergp.com/submit_ticket

My friend is on a higher dosage than me, why?

We prescribe in accordance with international best practice, starting on a small dose and gradually increasing it based on your bloodwork and feedback until you reach the optimum level. As a result this means there is no universal treatment recommendation and some people will need higher dosage than others to get the most out of their transition.