Cyrsti, I am pleased to hear you're helping to drag Ohio, kicking and screaming, into the 9th century and no, that's not a typo.

I, too, am a transgendered veteran. In my case, I'm MtF and have known it since I was 7. I've been in the VA health care system for several years after a decades long delay in enrolling. The first two years, I established myself with my primary physician and my mental health social worker. I never expected the VA to treat me any more than that.

Imagine my shock when my primary said, "Instead of seeking an outside Endocrinologist, why not try ours first?" So, I did. She referred me to Endo, set up an intake appointment and gave me the date and time. I attended the appointment, we interviewed for an hour and then the endo offered me HRT. I was so floored! A federal agency offering HRT to a MtF???? Wow.

As it is, I'm on my second prescription fill of 90 days conjugated estrogen and my breasts are symptomatic. I haven't been prescribed a T-blocker, but apparently my original low level isn't enough to prevent some estrogen getting through. There's no more I could ask for and I'm feeling so good.

So, don't give up on the VA yet. Also, there's a group, Transgendered American Veteran Association, or perhaps it's Transsexual American Veteran Association. They have a website, the dues are reasonable. Join so we can show how large our community is and increase our influence.

In the meantime, thanks and HUGG.

Cyrsti,

I'm glad that you found something like that out. It odes look like some things are changing over time. Gradually, but still in all changing.

I'm happy for you.