Transgender issues have “come out” in our society and transgender people (often very young) are increasingly seeking help of GPs for their health issues. Copacabana Medical Centre, as LBG and Transgender-friendly practice is again proud to have Dr Risto and RN Priscila at the forefront of medical science opening doors to patients seeking Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT).
This is a very complex and sensitive area. Studies suggest that transgender/gender diverse people have higher rates of mental health and drug and alcohol issues. It is known that gender affirming care improves mental health.
At Copacabana Medical Centre we are pleased to be able to support transgender patients with the following services:
- GAHT (estrogens +/- anti-androgens for M2F; testosterone for F2M)
- Estradiol implant insertion
- Sexual Health (incl. contraception, Cervical Screening Tests, menstrual problems, erectile dysfunction, STI checks, HIV/HBV prevention)
- Blood tests
- Counselling for fertility preservation (semen and egg storage/freezing)
- Mental Health
- Alcohol & other Drugs
- Healthy lifestyle advice and support
- Referrals to other specialists (Speech Therapy, Endocrinology, Psychology, Psychiatry, Breast/Urological/Uro-Gynaecological/Plastic Surgery for “top” and/or “bottom” surgery)
As many of these patients would be new to our Practice, we will generally require transfer of complete medical records from their existing GP. Transgender patients should expect to have at least 4-5 appointments with a doctor and a nurse to cover various aspects of transgender care, to establish a rapport (get to know each other), perform baseline blood tests, create GP Management Plan and possibly Mental Health Treatment Plan, for psychological evaluation/or referral to a psychologist for supportive counselling, and to sign an informed Treatment Consent before commencing GAHT.