Prescribed HRT (Trans Male)
What Is Prescribed HRT?
Prescribed HRT means obtaining testosterone through a licensed healthcare provider — typically an endocrinologist, primary care physician, or specialised gender clinic, with regular blood tests and dose adjustments.
Routes to Access
Informed Consent Model
Under informed consent, treatment begins without requiring a therapist's letter or formal diagnosis.
- Common in: United States (Planned Parenthood, LGBTQ+ clinics), parts of Europe
- Pros: Fast access; minimal gatekeeping
- Cons: Not available everywhere
Traditional Model
You obtain a diagnosis of gender dysphoria from a mental health professional.
- Common in: UK (NHS GICs), many European countries, parts of Asia
- Pros: Structured care
- Cons: Long waiting lists (up to 5–7 years)
Private Healthcare
- Pros: Shorter waiting times, more choice
- Cons: Expensive
Common Prescribed Regimens
| Form | Typical Prescription |
|---|---|
| T cypionate (injectable) | 50–100 mg/week or 100–200 mg/2 weeks |
| T enanthate (injectable) | 50–100 mg/week or 100–200 mg/2 weeks |
| T gel | 25–100 mg/day |
| T patches | 2–6 mg/day |
| T pellets | 750–1,500 mg every 3–6 months |
Pros of Prescribed HRT
- Medical supervision and regular blood tests
- Pharmaceutical-grade quality-controlled medication
- Legal protection (T is a controlled substance in most countries)
- May be covered by insurance
- Monitoring for haematocrit, lipids, liver function
Cons of Prescribed HRT
- Long waiting lists (especially UK NHS)
- Gatekeeping by some providers
- Cost without insurance
- Some providers use inflexible dosing protocols