How Do I Find a Trans-Friendly Doctor?

The provider directory of the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association is the most comprehensive resource for finding transgender-friendly doctors. Access it at GLMA.org by following the link to "find a provider." These providers have indicated an interest in treating LGBT patients and expertise in the field. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health also has a useful online provider directory at WPATH.org.

In addition, local physician recommen-dations are generally available from behavioral health counselors and therapists who treat transgender patients. These therapists will usually be aware of local physicians who will provide this treatment. An extensive list of these therapists is at DrBecky.com/therapists.html.

Being transgender-friendly includes educating office staff about the transition process so the patient can be addressed by the desired name and pronouns. Many transgender people feel unwelcome in a provider's office due to negative encounters with staff. A medical history form that allows a patient to designate "transgender" or "transsexual" as a modifier for the sex designation may help relieve the patient's anxiety.

Patients who are under medical treatment related to gender transition will want to talk to their provider about hormones: the drugs, doses, and routes of administration; the expected benefits; the potential risks; and the clinical evaluations needed before and during treatment. It is important to evaluate any remaining organs pertinent to the patient's birth sex, including breasts, ovaries, uterus, and vagina in people transitioning to male, and prostate, penis, and testes in those transitioning to female.

Many studies have shown that the completion of transition, which may or may not involve surgery, produces positive outcomes in social adjustment, economic viability, and overall well-being and satisfaction. While medical therapy continues after transition, it is but one part of the patient's overall health management.