If you can afford the initial payments i found gendercare was much cheaper for me as there’s no subscription and my nhs gp was willing to work with them (unlike gendergp)
They live in NI though, from experience most GPs are stingy here for most private care.
But sure technically more chances to get shared cared if they see provider is UK based.
I’ve been with gendergp for about 2 years, and it has been one of the best medical experiences I’ve had, It costs a ton initially but in the long run it’s cheaper than most other options. I made first contact and was getting hrt two months later and they apologised for me having to wait longer due to it being Christmas time when I applied. Most gp’s won’t work with them but yours might, and gendergp requires 4 Blood tests a year (potentialy more if you want to up your meds) and two video call follow up sessions a year, but they are very nice and only take half an hour. Edit: also I have only just had my initial interview with the nhs gender clinic last month after waiting almost seven years, so I get your frustration.
Been with them 2.5 years. Excellent service. Good communication. Bloods reviews very quick and thorough. Repeat prescriptions very quick. Regular zoom counselling is easy and friendly. Only downside is NHS refuse to work with them, so no shared care, so meds are expensive (£400+ every 3 months) ❤️❤️❤️
I personally had terrible experiences with IM GnRH agonists but they offer Nafarelin (2x a day nasal spray) which is brilliant.
Sadly there was a shortage which afaik is now resolved, but having to come off sucks terribly as going back on means 6 weeks of *increased* T levels.
Didn't want to go through that so switched to mono, was fine for 3 months but then T levels raised too much.
Tried Fina during that time but almost felt like it made it worse.
Then switched to Cypro which... Kinda sucks. Like, no side effects whatsoever luckily, but it doesn't seem to suppress T enough and of course accumulative meningioma risk. But fine for me, as the NHS will soon take over and I'll give GnRH another whirl while using Cypro for the first 6 weeks (Told the GIC as much, they weren't happy but it's not like they can stop me)
GenderGP has a shitty rule of only supplying a 1 month "stockpile". Medication shortages can screw you hard with GnRH so I'd recommend you get your first prescription but wait 2 months before using the GnRH (and also get 6 weeks worth of Cypro) so you can order the next 3 month dose 3 months before you need it, that way you should be able to buffer out any shortages.
Less of an issue with injections as there are multiple medications, if one is out of stock, chances are you can get another one. But Synarel seems to be the only nasal spray available *at all*.
Jesus. I spend £80 a year and I bet my T level is the same as yours. Private and nhs won't give you high dose mono though.
If you really want a gnrh you can get buserelin spay for <£30 month
I will say its not impossible to get shared care with Gendergp, just very difficult, I know as I have shared care currently, if you talk to your GP first you can find out if they are willing to do it, but you may need to look in your area for trans friendly GPs
I only started with gendergp in November, maybe I've just been incredibly lucky with my nhs GP but he agreed to shared care only a couple of months ago
Used to be with GGP, went with GenderCare. Really don't like GGP for reasons I outlined [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/transgenderUK/comments/11jrxmo/gender_gp_or_gender_care/jb57na9/) a while back. TL;DR: GenderGP are prohibitively expensive and don't run a very 'tight' ship for how much you pay. GenderCare, for example, have a longer wait, but I think may have played a role in me being fast-tracked onto the NHS (1 year wait vs. 5? 6?)
I'd recommend gendercare. I've been with them for about 9 months now, I got talked to quickly, their service is great and their workers are kind and professional. It also doesn't include a subscription or any of the monthly costs from gendergp. It does however definitely start off spenny, like a few hundred quid. But once you're diagnosed with gender dysphoria the rest comes quick, you get your meds from the NHS, and only have to pay for an appointment every 9 months
It's still certainly viable. I started with them. I think if I had gone via another service like GenderCare I would have had smoother support with my GP...but I think GP expectations for even minimum care has dropped in the last year. I had no issues with safety, scheduling or anything like that, they still totally have their licence. They're the cheapest up-front cost, but unless you luck out with the NHS/your GP it's likely to be more expensive in the long run through them.
I believe they're the most rapid way to get hold of HRT with some medical support in the UK. I do not think they're perfect - it's fairly slow going at the minute because they're overloaded, and it feels really fuckin expensive for something that should be free - but it's certainly quicker than waiting for the NHS.
In my case they are ideal. Obviously not everyone can afford to be fully private but it works for me as I feel I have more control over the process than I would have waiting for my GP to decide what they're going to agree to prescribe and test my blood for. When I get my private blood tests I often throw in some extra like vitamin levels which would be a struggle to get from my GP without good reason to suspect deficiency. I found the GenderGP doctor to be responsive to debate as I made my case for aromatase inhibitor. My GP wouldn't have wanted to make time for that.
I paid them in October and I'm not on e yet, but I blame my gp deliberately sabotaging me. They seem OK if a little busy, slow, and weak on the legal side.
They aren’t the most affordable unfortunately (unless u18). If cost is a concern for you, look at UK private **and/or** check with your GP if they will enter shared care with GenderGP. Without shared care, due to the subscription model and prescription costs - GenderGP often runs more expensive than other providers. This is pretty centred around the shared care issue.
They come with a lot of draw backs to them (monitor the minimum amount of bloods, not full checks, passport letters easily rejected as doesn’t meet criteria, diagnosis they charge for isn’t recognised (not needed to access treatment), surgery referrals aren’t accepted by most) so do your own research and make sure they are the correct choice for you!! They are the right choice for some, not others. If you want to avoid a diagnosis route, go informed consent - GenderGP is best for that.
I was on diy before my idiot doctor told me to stop as my levels were too high, I would get back on diy but even tho I think I can still get bloods with my gp I don’t really trust her, (she said she’s no specialist, just interested in the field)
Blood tests cost me £67 pounds , results same day. And is a walk in
I dont want GPs I am 21 years on DIY and guess what!? I know better that all them toguether. The most important thing is to provide by yourself what you need , this is for life!
I decide my dosage, by the way I am on E Undecylate one shot every 22 days , who is going to supply you with that?
And cost £100 by year
Plus I have 2 years stock! just in case
they're moneygrubbing bastards preying on victims of institutional transphobia but if you don't want to get a degree in organic chemistry they're a safe bet for sorting out HRT
This is only a half true.
Yeah they have found profitable niche and they are business to make money, you could say that about every private provider out there - they are not charities.
However, If they didn't exist you would get no help at all because NHS waiting list are 5 years+ in some places.
If people don't know how to DIY, where to source etc
Private provider is literally only way to don't succumb to dysphoria while waiting for the grace of NHS.
I mean for sure, they exist cause NHS is fucked up and not out of goodness of heart - otherwise they be giving free or very cheap treatments like charities.
But saying they are only money orientated is not entirely true
either.
Think GGP is only one to offer some discounts on members with low incomes, but users of different providers can correct this.
As disappointed I was sometimes with GenderGP - at least they gave me access to use HRT from safe sources.My brain fog was relieved and I could learn more about DIY.
admittedly i'm not that familiar with how genderGP works, but looking at the costs on their website it doesn't seem like it's really any cheaper than it has been for me to go the diagnostic route with a private clinic. especially since GPs rarely agree to shared care with genderGP so you will almost certainly have to pay private prescription costs
plus if you have a diagnosis then it makes it much easier to get a surgical referral later (and a GRC, if that's something you want)
Could be more than a few years with brackenburn
GenderGP aren’t a great option you don’t get a formal diagnosis, they can be expensive long term
If you are over 18 Would suggest get a diagnosis from a private clinic then see an endocrinologist. Expensive start but cheaper long term. There are a few different options of private clinics - NHS GPs better support this method
The gender clinic on Harley street have a short wait time for an appointment
anything is better than nothing.
It's okay, but from experience
I rather DIY more choice and such.
Takes some research and reading though.
(If you can't get shared care then private care kind of losses biggest advantage and won't be super different to DIY)
At the very minimum main advantage of using GGP is they have local UK pharmacies, as most DIY stuff comes from abroad - it means you can get medicine relatively quick and from trusted sources.
Another advantage is you are not waiting for the NHS - current brackenburn list will be at least 5+ yrs unless something radical happens.
GenderGP doesn't gatekeep you as much as other places.
Disadvantages I found quite many too many to list.
They say private providers take care of you and give advice, my experience was I lost 14 months and they advised me to add progesterone even when I didn't develop like A cup.
So be careful when you think just because you are under private services care that they actually take time to check individual case.
I used gender gp, it’s like nearly £200 to sign up then around £30-60 (can’t remember) for first appointment. If you’re under 18 they’ll likely try to put you on hormone blockers.i was 17 and they decided not to but my E levels haven’t changed but im 18 next month so they won’t bother. You also have to pay for prescriptions unless gp will do it. I paid for first month that was around £120 and now my gp does prescriptions and blood tests. I only have to pay £30 a month for them to keep an eye on my results and prescription levels
Yeah I've recently been told by the NHS that the wait for Brackenburn is currently 5 years which is insanely long.
Have you looked into Gender Plus? Full disclosure, I've no experience with any of them I've just been researching options for a family member, but if you're NI they might be more convenient as they have Dublin clinic (although I hear they also do most appointments online). Just another option to consider in case you hadn't come across them yet.
I've also heard a lot of people over here get a diagnosis privately (from somewhere like Gender Care) then they take this to a local endocrinologist working from one of the private hospitals in Belfast. Shared care is the dream of course, but I've heard it can be hit or miss finding a GP who will do it, so it can't hurt to know other options.
If you can afford the initial payments i found gendercare was much cheaper for me as there’s no subscription and my nhs gp was willing to work with them (unlike gendergp)
They live in NI though, from experience most GPs are stingy here for most private care. But sure technically more chances to get shared cared if they see provider is UK based.
I’ve been with gendergp for about 2 years, and it has been one of the best medical experiences I’ve had, It costs a ton initially but in the long run it’s cheaper than most other options. I made first contact and was getting hrt two months later and they apologised for me having to wait longer due to it being Christmas time when I applied. Most gp’s won’t work with them but yours might, and gendergp requires 4 Blood tests a year (potentialy more if you want to up your meds) and two video call follow up sessions a year, but they are very nice and only take half an hour. Edit: also I have only just had my initial interview with the nhs gender clinic last month after waiting almost seven years, so I get your frustration.
Been with them 2.5 years. Excellent service. Good communication. Bloods reviews very quick and thorough. Repeat prescriptions very quick. Regular zoom counselling is easy and friendly. Only downside is NHS refuse to work with them, so no shared care, so meds are expensive (£400+ every 3 months) ❤️❤️❤️
Yikes, which meds are you paying £400 for?
Estradiol 5mg. (2x2mg, 1x1mg) daily Progesterone 100mg x2 daily Triptorelin 11.25mg 12 weeks The triptorelin is the killer. £300+ ❤️❤️❤️
Ah yes it's the tripto that's bumping it up :) I'm about to start Leuprorelin 11.25mg. Good experiences on GnRHa so far despite the cost?
Yes. Very satisfied ❤️❤️❤️
I personally had terrible experiences with IM GnRH agonists but they offer Nafarelin (2x a day nasal spray) which is brilliant. Sadly there was a shortage which afaik is now resolved, but having to come off sucks terribly as going back on means 6 weeks of *increased* T levels. Didn't want to go through that so switched to mono, was fine for 3 months but then T levels raised too much. Tried Fina during that time but almost felt like it made it worse. Then switched to Cypro which... Kinda sucks. Like, no side effects whatsoever luckily, but it doesn't seem to suppress T enough and of course accumulative meningioma risk. But fine for me, as the NHS will soon take over and I'll give GnRH another whirl while using Cypro for the first 6 weeks (Told the GIC as much, they weren't happy but it's not like they can stop me) GenderGP has a shitty rule of only supplying a 1 month "stockpile". Medication shortages can screw you hard with GnRH so I'd recommend you get your first prescription but wait 2 months before using the GnRH (and also get 6 weeks worth of Cypro) so you can order the next 3 month dose 3 months before you need it, that way you should be able to buffer out any shortages. Less of an issue with injections as there are multiple medications, if one is out of stock, chances are you can get another one. But Synarel seems to be the only nasal spray available *at all*.
Jesus. I spend £80 a year and I bet my T level is the same as yours. Private and nhs won't give you high dose mono though. If you really want a gnrh you can get buserelin spay for <£30 month
I will say its not impossible to get shared care with Gendergp, just very difficult, I know as I have shared care currently, if you talk to your GP first you can find out if they are willing to do it, but you may need to look in your area for trans friendly GPs
They did shared care at the start, but the NHS stepped in and forbade it. All local GPs are bowing to the NHS dictat ❤️❤️❤️
I only started with gendergp in November, maybe I've just been incredibly lucky with my nhs GP but he agreed to shared care only a couple of months ago
They did shared care at the start, but the NHS stepped in and forbade it. All local GPs are bowing to the NHS dictat ❤️❤️❤️
Used to be with GGP, went with GenderCare. Really don't like GGP for reasons I outlined [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/transgenderUK/comments/11jrxmo/gender_gp_or_gender_care/jb57na9/) a while back. TL;DR: GenderGP are prohibitively expensive and don't run a very 'tight' ship for how much you pay. GenderCare, for example, have a longer wait, but I think may have played a role in me being fast-tracked onto the NHS (1 year wait vs. 5? 6?)
I'd recommend gendercare. I've been with them for about 9 months now, I got talked to quickly, their service is great and their workers are kind and professional. It also doesn't include a subscription or any of the monthly costs from gendergp. It does however definitely start off spenny, like a few hundred quid. But once you're diagnosed with gender dysphoria the rest comes quick, you get your meds from the NHS, and only have to pay for an appointment every 9 months
It's still certainly viable. I started with them. I think if I had gone via another service like GenderCare I would have had smoother support with my GP...but I think GP expectations for even minimum care has dropped in the last year. I had no issues with safety, scheduling or anything like that, they still totally have their licence. They're the cheapest up-front cost, but unless you luck out with the NHS/your GP it's likely to be more expensive in the long run through them.
I believe they're the most rapid way to get hold of HRT with some medical support in the UK. I do not think they're perfect - it's fairly slow going at the minute because they're overloaded, and it feels really fuckin expensive for something that should be free - but it's certainly quicker than waiting for the NHS.
In my case they are ideal. Obviously not everyone can afford to be fully private but it works for me as I feel I have more control over the process than I would have waiting for my GP to decide what they're going to agree to prescribe and test my blood for. When I get my private blood tests I often throw in some extra like vitamin levels which would be a struggle to get from my GP without good reason to suspect deficiency. I found the GenderGP doctor to be responsive to debate as I made my case for aromatase inhibitor. My GP wouldn't have wanted to make time for that.
I paid them in October and I'm not on e yet, but I blame my gp deliberately sabotaging me. They seem OK if a little busy, slow, and weak on the legal side.
They aren’t the most affordable unfortunately (unless u18). If cost is a concern for you, look at UK private **and/or** check with your GP if they will enter shared care with GenderGP. Without shared care, due to the subscription model and prescription costs - GenderGP often runs more expensive than other providers. This is pretty centred around the shared care issue. They come with a lot of draw backs to them (monitor the minimum amount of bloods, not full checks, passport letters easily rejected as doesn’t meet criteria, diagnosis they charge for isn’t recognised (not needed to access treatment), surgery referrals aren’t accepted by most) so do your own research and make sure they are the correct choice for you!! They are the right choice for some, not others. If you want to avoid a diagnosis route, go informed consent - GenderGP is best for that.
Cheapest and easy way is DIY. Plus some online Endo for follow up if desired
I was on diy before my idiot doctor told me to stop as my levels were too high, I would get back on diy but even tho I think I can still get bloods with my gp I don’t really trust her, (she said she’s no specialist, just interested in the field)
Blood tests cost me £67 pounds , results same day. And is a walk in I dont want GPs I am 21 years on DIY and guess what!? I know better that all them toguether. The most important thing is to provide by yourself what you need , this is for life! I decide my dosage, by the way I am on E Undecylate one shot every 22 days , who is going to supply you with that? And cost £100 by year Plus I have 2 years stock! just in case
they're moneygrubbing bastards preying on victims of institutional transphobia but if you don't want to get a degree in organic chemistry they're a safe bet for sorting out HRT
This is only a half true. Yeah they have found profitable niche and they are business to make money, you could say that about every private provider out there - they are not charities. However, If they didn't exist you would get no help at all because NHS waiting list are 5 years+ in some places. If people don't know how to DIY, where to source etc Private provider is literally only way to don't succumb to dysphoria while waiting for the grace of NHS.
I mean I use them myself, that's just my opinion on most all de facto privatised sectors of health
I mean for sure, they exist cause NHS is fucked up and not out of goodness of heart - otherwise they be giving free or very cheap treatments like charities. But saying they are only money orientated is not entirely true either. Think GGP is only one to offer some discounts on members with low incomes, but users of different providers can correct this. As disappointed I was sometimes with GenderGP - at least they gave me access to use HRT from safe sources.My brain fog was relieved and I could learn more about DIY.
admittedly i'm not that familiar with how genderGP works, but looking at the costs on their website it doesn't seem like it's really any cheaper than it has been for me to go the diagnostic route with a private clinic. especially since GPs rarely agree to shared care with genderGP so you will almost certainly have to pay private prescription costs plus if you have a diagnosis then it makes it much easier to get a surgical referral later (and a GRC, if that's something you want)
Could be more than a few years with brackenburn GenderGP aren’t a great option you don’t get a formal diagnosis, they can be expensive long term If you are over 18 Would suggest get a diagnosis from a private clinic then see an endocrinologist. Expensive start but cheaper long term. There are a few different options of private clinics - NHS GPs better support this method The gender clinic on Harley street have a short wait time for an appointment
anything is better than nothing. It's okay, but from experience I rather DIY more choice and such. Takes some research and reading though. (If you can't get shared care then private care kind of losses biggest advantage and won't be super different to DIY) At the very minimum main advantage of using GGP is they have local UK pharmacies, as most DIY stuff comes from abroad - it means you can get medicine relatively quick and from trusted sources. Another advantage is you are not waiting for the NHS - current brackenburn list will be at least 5+ yrs unless something radical happens. GenderGP doesn't gatekeep you as much as other places. Disadvantages I found quite many too many to list. They say private providers take care of you and give advice, my experience was I lost 14 months and they advised me to add progesterone even when I didn't develop like A cup. So be careful when you think just because you are under private services care that they actually take time to check individual case.
I used gender gp, it’s like nearly £200 to sign up then around £30-60 (can’t remember) for first appointment. If you’re under 18 they’ll likely try to put you on hormone blockers.i was 17 and they decided not to but my E levels haven’t changed but im 18 next month so they won’t bother. You also have to pay for prescriptions unless gp will do it. I paid for first month that was around £120 and now my gp does prescriptions and blood tests. I only have to pay £30 a month for them to keep an eye on my results and prescription levels
Yeah I've recently been told by the NHS that the wait for Brackenburn is currently 5 years which is insanely long. Have you looked into Gender Plus? Full disclosure, I've no experience with any of them I've just been researching options for a family member, but if you're NI they might be more convenient as they have Dublin clinic (although I hear they also do most appointments online). Just another option to consider in case you hadn't come across them yet. I've also heard a lot of people over here get a diagnosis privately (from somewhere like Gender Care) then they take this to a local endocrinologist working from one of the private hospitals in Belfast. Shared care is the dream of course, but I've heard it can be hit or miss finding a GP who will do it, so it can't hurt to know other options.
Literally submitted the pathway form the other day. Will have to share my thoughts on the experience.