Hormones

Due to the current climate in the world, it's becoming more and more difficult for trans people to access healthcare such as hormones. Here are some ways to access hormones if your access to hormones is limited due to long wait lists (UK) or if legislation has stopped you being able to access it through the normal means. 

(UK only) The GIC Waiting list loop-hole

Gender Identity Clinics in the UK notorious for their long wait lists. With one current estimate stating that at the current rate of seeing patients it would take 26 years to see someone who was referred today. To combat this there is something called "bridging prescriptions" where a doctor such as your GP can prescribe you medication at a lower dose while you wait to see a specialist. But it doesn't stop there, in the current legislation on bridging HRT it states that bridging prescriptions are in the interest of harm reduction. And is there to assist anyone who is already taking or intends to take  blackmarket hormones (otherwise known as DIYing).

In short stating that if you tell your doctor you intent to take/already take hormones that are not prescribed by your doctor, then you are eligible for a bridging prescription. Your GP may not agree to this at first, you may have to switch which GP you see in your local practice. But once agreed by your GP you can be prescribed hormones prior to your treatment at a GIC.

Gender GP - GenderGP is an online health and wellbeing clinic which proudly serves transgender people of all ages across the world – and those who support them.
The organisation works tirelessly to promote excellence in trans healthcare, campaigning for improved access and understanding at all levels, in line with international best practice. They provide access to medication such as hormones, puberty blockers, blood tests, consultations for surgery, as well as counselling, info gathering sessions, and sessions to help your friends and family during your transition. Gender GP is a payed service however in order to make it as affordable as possible they are happy to work along side your NHS GP for things such as blood tests, writing prescriptions etc. Placing the cost on the NHS and not you personally whilst bypassing the large wait-lists for the NHS gender services. 

- Note I personally have only known people in the UK to use this service, hence my frequent mention of the NHS (The UK's National Health Service). However upon reading further it does appear that they offer services worldwide. I have close friends who use Gender GP and they have all stressed how great it is, and how easy it is to access proper care and medication. 

HRT cafe - HRT cafe, also called DIY HRT cafe is a bit different to the other options. It is a website with extensive links to websites where you can purchase hormones without a prescription. The website was created and is managed by individuals in the r/transDIY subreddit. The list of websites contains shipping info for each website, service status, notes (includes any relevant info for the website including discounts). The website also includes what payment method these websites take. As hormone sale without a prescription operates in what is called a "Grey Market" it may not be as simple as putting in your credit card info. You may be required to use Paypal, bank transfer, Wise, Moneygram, or bitcoin.

- Note : Please do no just click on these websites and buy these medications. Please do lots of research around the medication you wish to buy, such as dose, side affects , what the medication actually does to your body. If possible please also take blood tests often, as well as liver and kidney tests if you plan on taking T-blockers (anti-androgen medication) such as spironolactone or bicalutamide.

FOLX Health - FOlX Health works very similarly to Gender GP, however it operates only in the USA. They provide HRT (hormone replacement therapy) as well as HIV preventative medication known as prEP. They also offer mental health care in  some states. They are able to provide care in 37 states. Majority of their care is online, like Gender GP. However due to the PHE is coming to an end the DEA requires in-person visits for members using testosterone HRT.

- Note FOLX Health is a subscription based service which can be pricey, so to combat this they do offer applications for their HRT care fund. The fund redistributes financial resources from people inside and out of the LGBTQ+ community to support transgender, non-binary, intersex, and other gender expansive people in accessing hormone replacement therapy care through FOLX.

Plume - Plume is very similar to FOLX and Gender GP and is the largest health provider for the trans and nonbinary community. They operate only in the USA and offer HRT medications as well as a virtual appointment with a consultant as part of the same package.In addition to this they also are able to write a "one time letter of support" which is a letter for surgery. They do accept health insurance , however you can also pay out of pocket.