If your insurance requires pre-authorization, ask your doctor to fill out this template, then send it into your insurance. If you get insurance through work or school, you may need to ask your employer or school to remove exclusions against transgender treatments before you can get coverage. [2] X Research source Send this letter to your employer or school if you need to get your medical treatments added to your insurance benefits.
At your appointment, talk to your doctor about your health history and your fertility concerns. Your doctor will explain all of your options to you to help you pick the right treatments for you. Medically speaking, you can start hormone therapy as young as 16 years old. [4] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Gender dysphoria does not mean that you are diseased or broken; it simply means that you are not content with living as your assigned sex. [6] X Expert Source Inge Hansen, PsyDClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 19 November 2019. HRT’s purpose is to make you more comfortable with your body. The hormones will alter your body to align with your gender identity. [7] X Expert Source Inge Hansen, PsyDClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 19 November 2019.
This process is called sperm cryopreservation. It’s a super easy process where you masturbate to produce sperm. After that, you’ll pay about $100 to $500 a year to keep your sperm frozen. [9] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
Pills Creams Patches Injections
There are some risks to HRT, including blood clots, gallstones, weight gain, elevated liver enzymes, heart problems, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, and diabetes. [12] X Research source Whether and when to take HRT is a deeply personal choice. Take hormones once you’ve fully researched your options and feel that hormones are a positive next step for you. Additionally, make sure you’re okay with the fact that the effects may not be fully reversible. [13] X Expert Source Inge Hansen, PsyDClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 19 November 2019.
Most therapists include their specialties on their websites, so look for a therapist who lists LGBTQ+ issues as a treatment option.
You can check board certification here. TransHealthCare. Org has a database of gender affirming surgeons that makes it easy to find a reputable surgeon near you.
This procedure usually costs around $7,000 and is usually not covered by insurance because it’s not medically necessary. It takes about 6 months to recover from voice feminization surgery. [16] X Research source The main side effects of vocal feminization surgery are the shortening of your airways, which can make it harder to take deep breaths. [17] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
A tracheal shave typically costs between $3,000 and $4,000, and it’s usually not covered by insurance. Your swelling will improve after about 3-4 weeks, but it usually takes about a year to see your final result. [19] X Research source You don’t really need a tracheal shave to be a woman, but it might make you feel more confident. You could experience some side effects, including swelling, bruising, scarring, infection, voice changes, and changes in swallowing. [20] X Research source
Some insurance companies will cover facial feminization, but it’s usually not medically necessary. Without insurance, it starts at around $8,500 but often costs more. It usually takes 2-3 weeks to recover from this surgery. [22] X Research source You can still be a beautiful woman even if you don’t have surgery. Lots of gorgeous women have a strong jaw or brow, including actresses Kiera Knightly and Olivia Wilde.
Breast augmentations are usually covered by your insurance, as long as your doctor confirms it’s for gender-affirming care. If you don’t have insurance, it starts at around $2,000 but could be higher. After top surgery, you may experience pain for 4 to 5 days, and it’ll take 2-3 weeks before you’ll be able to lift your arms more than 90 degrees. [24] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source Although the procedure is generally safe, no surgery is without risk. After a breast augmentation, you might experience discomfort, scar tissue, changes in nipple and breast sensation, infection, changes in implant position, or implant leakage or rupture. [25] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
An orchiectomy is typically covered by insurance. Out of pocket, it usually costs between $5,000 and $8,500. It takes 2 to 3 weeks to recover from an orchiectomy. [27] X Research source While it’s generally a safe procedure, you might experience some side effects. These include low sex drive, low muscle mass, fatigue, depression, hot flashes, erectile dysfunction, and osteoporosis. [28] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Fortunately, a vaginoplasty is typically covered by insurance. If you pay out of pocket, it usually costs between $6,000 and $9,000. It’ll take about 3 months for you to fully recover from your vaginoplasty. There are a few risks to having vaginoplasty. You might experience nerve damage, vaginal stenosis, a short vaginal length, or a fistula. Additionally, you might not like the appearance of your new vagina. [30] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source You don’t need vaginoplasty to be a woman. You’re already a real woman, so don’t stress if surgery isn’t the right choice for you.
“I have something I’ve been wanting to talk about. You might have noticed how I’m really into fashion and love hanging with the girls. That’s because I’m really a girl, and I’m ready to start my transition. ” “I feel like I can really trust you, so I wanted to tell you something really personal. For a long time, I’ve known that I’m really a woman. Now, I’m ready to start presenting my true self to the world, and I hope you’ll be there for me as I transition. ”
Spend more time with the people who already accept you so that you have support. Sometimes, people just need time to think. You might be surprised by how supportive your friends and family become after they’ve had time to process everything.
If you’re still in school, see if there are any clubs for LGBTQ+ folks and their allies. Try meetup. com for groups that meet in your area.
Sometimes your chosen family is more important than the one you were born into. Losing friends is painful, but you’ll make new friends as you transition. Best of all, these new friends are going to love you as you are.
If you start a new job after your transition, you don’t have to tell anyone that you’re trans unless you just want them to know. If your deadname is still your legal name, HR will need it for payroll and taxes, but they’re supposed to keep that confidential.
Gender neutral names like Alex, Sam, Taylor, Blair, and Harper might be comfortable if you’re more androgynous.
“Hi, I’m Amy, and I use she/her pronouns. ” “I’m Alex, and my pronouns are she/her/they/them. ” “Actually, it’s ‘she’. ” “It sounded like you said, ‘he’. My pronouns are she/her. ”
Look at what girls or women your age are wearing to get inspiration for your own looks. Wearing a padded bra can help you have a curvier figure.
If you prefer short hair, you might get a pixie cut or bob. If you’re growing out your hair, bangs or layers can make your style look more feminine.
Opt for matte foundation and powder because they’ll create a more even texture. Apply peach or orange concealer on dark spots and over your beard shadow. Use highlighter under your eyebrows and on the sides of your nose for rounder features. Pick a shimmery blush to add a little glow to your skin. Blend an eyeshadow the same color as your hair around your hairline to round it out.
Try these free voice exercises to help feminize your voice! Altering your voice takes patience and practice. It could take years to get the tone and pitch you want, but you’ll definitely see changes along the way.
If you live in the U. S. , LGBT MAP can tell you the policies in your area. If you can’t afford to change your name, the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund may be able to help. They provide free legal assistance to low-income trans and non-binary folx.
