Before my primary care doctor talked to me about the possibility of starting testosterone, i had no…read moreidea what an Endocrinologist was. (If you're wondering the same thing, it's a hormone specialist). Though i'm sure there are probably lots of reasons to see a hormone specialist, this review will mostly be for FTM guys and you curious yelpers who want to look through the window into the world of trans.
I walked into the first appointment not knowing what to expect. I'd not done any real research and, if we are being honest, i wasn't totally mentally prepared to start T that day.. which is what i thought was going to happen.
When i arrived, the staff were very welcoming and friendly. They used the "he" pronoun without me even asking them to. They also asked what my preferred name was, but at that point, i hadn't thought of a preferred name. They let me know that whenever i decided on something new, just let them know and they'd update it in my file. (flash forward 5 weeks when i did have a preferred name -- they updated it not only in their office records, but also in the Norton records -- so all Norton network folks would be informed)
So, what to expect if you're seeing the Endo for the first time:
1) they will weight you and take your vitals before putting you in an exam room. The nurse that always does this is really chatty. She shamelessly flirts and really builds up your self-confidence. I naturally have a pretty large head (that's what she said), but i think lots of guys would really feel great after interacting with her.
2) Dr. Poorkay will come in and ask you family history and relationship questions. He's basically gauging if you have a support system in place. He'll refer to you in person and in his notes using your preferred pronouns. He'll tell you what's required to start T:
a. a letter from a therapist (if you need one, I recommend the doc in my TransList bookmarks)
b. blood tests -- a lot of them. (they will write the order and tell you there is a lab right down the hall. i recommend talking with your insurance and knowing what will be covered. I needed 9 tests - things like a lipid panel, T-Free and others i'd never heard of. if you don't have insurance or have a really high deductible, see my review of Any Lab Test Now)
3) You won't leave your first visit with a prescription. He made a follow-up appt for 5-weeks out.
4) When you return with your letter and lab tests, you still won't get a shot that day. He'll ask you a few more questions, give you the chance to ask all the questions you spent the last 5 weeks thinking of, then you'll leave with a script. I was disappointed with this, but i understand that they can't give out the serum in the office.
5) AFTER you fill the prescription (i recommend the "Good Rx" app to find the most affordable pharmacy), you'll have to return to get your 1st shot. They require that you either come in each week for the shot OR have someone administer it for you. If you choose the latter, you'll save time and money, but that person will need to come with you to be shown by the nurse how to do it.
6) Dr. Poorkay will schedule a 3-month check in, which will require lab tests again. This is to make sure the T is effective and nothing else wonky is going on with your hormones. After that, the visits will be less frequent, maybe once or twice a year.
Lastly, since his office is a part of Norton Healthcare, you can log into your "my chart" to look over your appointments, lab results and to send messages to Dr. Poorly or his staff. They typically respond within 24-48 hours.
4 stars just because i wish information like this had been available to me before starting the process. The staff are great, Dr.Poorkay is great and i'm so grateful to have been able to pretty seamlessly start T.
**I've created a TransList bookmarks list for other Trans Guys on a similar journey. Best of luck fellas. There are lots of great trans friendly businesses and health providers around louisville. how lucky are we? :)
