Bridging prescription for HRT for trans folk in the UK - a guide
It’s possible to get a bridging prescription for HRT through a GP before being seen by a GIC. You don’t need a diagnosis for gender dysphoria or anything like that. As far as I’m aware you don’t need to be on a waiting list for a GIC, although you may as well ask for a referral as it’s done very easily through a GP. Also, it may help your case as the waiting lists for the GICs are very long so you can cite the waiting time as a reason for your need for a bridging prescription.
I can’t find any details about what age it’s possible to ask for an HRT bridging prescription from. I assume that you have to be over 18 although don’t take my word on this: a lot of trans healthcare age-recommendations are vague and random, and it’s worth asking your GP just in case they can prescribe it for you.
Lots of websites and posts about HRT bridging prescriptions for trans people state how rare it is for a GP to prescribe you it, but there are several ways around this. A good way to is by finding a trans-friendly GP in your area. Here is a link to a website with a Google-sheet list of trans-friendly GPs and a Google form you can use to submit trans-friendly GPs. The formatting is a bit confusing and as it’s an open access list it could have some inaccuracies, but it could be a good starting point for you. Another way is to ask other trans people in your local area their experiences with different GPs. I did this through friends at university and found a specific practice with a specific GP who was very aware of trans healthcare and had prescribed E to a friend and also helped her with fertility options. Also, local LGBT+ charities or networks may have information about trans-friendly GPs.
It’s also possible to just stay with your current GP, and if they don’t understand how bridging prescriptions for HRT work you can direct them to this document. It’s still possible for them to refuse, in which case you could either get in contact with an LGBT+ charity and ask them to advocate for you or switch GP.
Remember to check fertility options and gamete preservation if this is something you would like to consider. Bring this up with your GP at your appointment, and they should direct you to some local resources. Here is a guide from the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority about your options.
So, here is a rough step-by step guide:
Book an appointment with your GP briefly explaining your gender ‘history’ and asking for a bridging prescription for oestrogen or testosterone.
E.g. I’m transgender and have known this for x months/years [and have been on a GIC waiting list for x months/years if applicable]. I have not been able to access HRT, which has a negative effect on my mental health so would like a bridging prescription for oestrogen/testosterone [as I am unlikely to get this from the GIC soon due to the long waiting lists].
Your GP will then request some blood tests to check your hormone levels and overall health. This will be a brief appointment with a nurse who will take some blood, and the results will be ready in about a week.
You will likely have to call the GP practice after about a week to ask for an appointment with your GP about the bridging prescription.
During this appointment, your GP will explain side effects of HRT, dosage, and how often you will need blood tests (~every 3 months). Also if you are going to be on oestrogen, they will explain how testosterone blockers work.
Hopefully at this appointment they will also prescribe you HRT! I was very surprised when my GP filled in a prescription right then and there at that appointment, and I went to pick up my Testogel straight after it.
Go pick up the hormones at a pharmacy! The prescription cost will be £9.35 for each item of medication unless you are exempt.
When that supply (for testosterone they can only provide a month’s supply at a time) starts getting low, call up your GP about a repeat prescription.
You are now on hormones woooooooooo! 🎉 🎆 💃
Caveat 1: Some GPs apparently put a time cap on bridging prescriptions (e.g. you can only prescribed this for 3 months) which is pretty dangerous for a lot of reasons. So, if your doctor brings this up, be wary and consider finding a different one if they don’t change their mind on this.
Caveat 2: Some GPs apparently put a dosage cap on bridging prescriptions, and only let you go on the lowest possible dose of HRT, so that’s not great either.
Here is another website with some other info about bridging prescriptions.
But yeah; in general I don’t think enough people know about bridging prescriptions for HRT, and assume that private is the way to go. Private companies like GGP want you to assume this so they can suck the money out of the trans community like little mosquitos. Save your money and avoid letting them do this!
Hope this helps, good luck.
