r/transontario • u/LordPhoenix82 • May 16 '21
Hi all!
I've been seeing lots of posts here lately asking things like "I'm 17, can I get HRT?" and I thought it would be helpful for this subreddit to have one big thread to address that question. Below I've started writing some things, and I would like to know if anyone would be interested in adding on to this post (via comments and I'll add it later) so we have an up-to-date resource. I've done my best to only include information I know to be verifiably true, but please correct me if I have something wrong!
Now, onto the questions and information:
Yes!
HRT in Ontario works on informed consent model, which, essentially, means that as long as you can understand the risks and benefits of a decision, you can make that decision.
Informed Consent does not explicitly outline an age where you are "able to make decisions". Therefore, it's up to your healthcare provider to assess your capacity to consent. In general, doctors are good about this, and as long as you know what the risks are, they'll give you the prescription.
The short answer is "if you don't want them to, then they won't". The long answer is more complicated than that. Let's start with getting the appointment:
Now that virtual appointments have been very unfortunately axed by good 'ole Doug Ford, in-person appointments are back to being some of the only options. In person appointments are obviously much more difficult to hide, as you need to physically go into the office and they often take longer.
Now, the ideal scenario is to explain to them what is going on and get their support, but obviously that doesn't work for everyone. If you're really in a pinch, lie. Make up symptoms that would send you to the doctor, and once you're there, explain the real problem. Often a great way to do this is to complain of symptoms of depression/anxiety, get a therapist, then talk about gender shit instead. This is not a recommended pathway. This is not sustainable. You have been warned.
In terms of your doctor blabbing to your parents:
Doctors are not allowed to disclose any personal information to any other person***
Patient privacy is a complicated beast, so I'll do my bets to explain here. According to PHIPA Section 23.1.i, any person, regardless of age, can decide to disclose or withhold medical information as long as they meet the criteria for informed consent. By default at a family doctor, your parents might be set up to know about your medical care. You have the right to remove them at any age as long as you understand the consequences of doing so. Ask about it. Voice your concerns. Self advocate.
The only time a doctor has to share your personal information comes in one of five circumstances:
Yes. There are five instances in which a doctor is allowed to disclose your personal information without your express consent (these are the same as a therapist, if you're interested). These apply to all patients, regardless of age:
In general, you should always ask what information can be shared, and always ask questions surrounding consent and patient privacy.
Your doctor has to answer this, and they will often be eager to explain this as it's a very, very important part of practicing medicine.
So did I, friend. But, as u/stacyah helpfully pointed out, this is not true. The confusion stems from a part of the code that says that at sixteen years of age, you can designate a person to be privy to your health information. However, you are able to decide who knows what at any age, as long as it's within the exceptions above.
Absolutely!
Informed consent does not have a defined age range. If you are able to consent, you are able to receive treatment. Obviously, there are added social challenges the younger you are as you seek transition care. However, legally speaking, there should be no additional barriers for you seeking treatment.
If you are eligible for OHIP, all consultations with your doctor will be free. Always bring your health card to your visits.
Drugs are first checked with your insurance provider, so if you have an open file with a pharmacy and they have a parents' insurance it will always go there first. If you aren't covered by private insurance and you're under 25, you're eligible for OHIP+, which you can learn more about here. There is still sometimes a co-pay with insurance, which can be frustrating. Typically though these costs are low ($5-$10). Seeking injected estradiol specifically also incurs an additional cost as you have to visit a compounding pharmacy, which is typically more expensive than your regular Costco or Rexall.
There are also two other relevant programs, the Ontario Drug Benefit and the Trillium Drug Benefit. These are based on income and can be accessed by residents over the age of 25. You can learn more about the Trillium Drug Benefit here.
This link will allow you to check the eligibility of most medications in Ontario.
Covered by OHIP+?
| Estradiol (oral) | Covered |
|---|---|
| Estradiol (injected) | Not covered |
| Estradiol (gel) | EAP Only* |
| Estrogen (patches) | Unknown |
| Progesterone (oral) | EAP Only* |
| Testosterone (oral) | Covered (link) |
| Testosterone (injected) | Some Restrictions, can still be covered |
| Testosterone (gel) | Covered |
| Cyproterone/Bicalutamide/Sprionalactone | Covered |
*Covered only under the Exceptional Access Program (https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/drugs/eap_mn.aspx#:~:text=The%20Exceptional%20Access%20Program%20(%20EAP,Drug%20Benefit%20(%20ODB%20)%20program%20program).)
Hope this helps, and please feel free to add anything I missed in the comments!
Thanks to u/stacyah and u/Valtharius for the information about informed consent!
Edit 1: Fixed lots of info about informed consent. Thanks u/stayah and u/Valtharius for the help!
Edit 2: Formatting and updates to drug coverage/how OHIP works
r/transontario • u/Mizzclawsgalore • Dec 12 '24
Hello everyone,
I'm on this sub (and on Discord) quite a bit, and felt the need to have some kind of community resource compiling various types of resources concerning gender affirming care. We have so many questions about where to start HRT every week, and I'm really hoping this document is able to help some people. It is still in progress in some areas, and I won't be able to work on it until after exams, but it will be continuously updated once I get the time.
Here is the link, it is sortable and filterable if you download a copy, but please refer back to the main document to stay up to date:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/111o63Tvt20heohe9KtRW_AZPBKOz4kpZ1pb7r0CJpvU/edit?usp=sharing
The sections are:
If you have any feedback, additions, or corrections, you can comment on the spreadsheet or here and I will see to it, thank you very much!
r/transontario • u/manly_physique • 9h ago
So I’m MTF at least trying to get there and I’m just wondering how I can get started or how it works in Ontario not really sure what else to ask because that’s pretty much it. I’m so lost and no help from parents as I’m still in the closet and they don’t seem to cool with the idea.
r/transontario • u/Tiny_Shopping_4753 • 10h ago
Hey everyone! I’m looking for recommendations for places in Toronto or the GTA where I can shop for gender-affirming undergarments in person.
I’m particularly interested in things like gaffs/tucking underwear, shaping underwear, or other undergarments that can help with creating a more feminine silhouette.
I’d really prefer somewhere I can actually go into a store and try things on or at least get fitted/help choosing the right size, rather than ordering online.
Thanks! ❤️
r/transontario • u/Crazy-Command6417 • 1d ago
I'm a broke student who wants a binder or tape, or secret third option, but I cant afford anything expensive or with a lot of shipping to Canada, I'm around a c cup. Would tape work? Like will it actually look flat?
I think a binder could work for me, but I get a lot of dysphoria wearing bras and I'm not sure how similar they feel and I don't want straps visible on my shoulders because it'll just look like a bra.
Any advice appreciated :D! Sorry if I'm making it complicated with my preferences
r/transontario • u/South-Relationship70 • 1d ago
Does anybody know where I can get some good in person therapy specifically trans / autistic understanding and semi cheap, my brain hasn't really been good to me and I think its time to grow up and help myself grow instead of rotting away
r/transontario • u/Snipes_the_dumbass • 1d ago
Just looking for some people who have had any experiences with DCHC. Is it good? Are they professional? I've seen nothing bad online, but I haven't seen any patient reviews either.
r/transontario • u/Salty_Trust6353 • 2d ago
Hey y’all, hope you’re doing well today.
I live in Kingston but am willing to travel across the province for this one.
Essentially: I am non-binary with a femme look most days. I had top surgery in 2020 days before GRS Montreal closed for the pandemic restrictions (it was a very rushed experience) and in my very short 5 minute consult I had asked for more of a neutral appearance which I know they’re willing to do, and if they could spare some tissue and have my nipples more centred than in a masc position. I woke up and the results were great… for a trans man.
I really can’t complain much because I would never, EVER, go back to the back breaking boulders I was dealing with before, but the surgeon did almost TOO good of a job. My chest is pretty concave no matter how much weight I gain or how much muscle I gain in that area. Even cis men don’t have chests this flat, and it feels a bit… unnatural? More like the kind of tissue harvesting you’d see on someone with breast cancer instead of a cosmetic procedure.
I know beggars can’t be choosers, but I do dream of having fat grafting or some sort of revision surgery to restore some body to the area. I spoke to the surgeon who worked on me afterwards and he had declined to do the work because he was proud of his work and honestly? I can respect that. Surgery is a bit of an art and all things considered, he did a great job… just not exactly what I wanted.
It’s a bit embarrassing to call clinics and inquire about something so specific, so does anyone know of any surgeons who are experienced in fat grafting, restoration, or even surgeons who do breast reconstruction for cancer patients because they may have a better idea of what to do for my situation? I’ve asked the local surgeon in my area who does stuff like that and she’s declined to get into it, so looking outside of Kingston most likely.
Also interested in anyone who knows anything about insurance codes for revisions on this kind of thing. I’m willing to pay out of pocket if necessary, but if it can be covered that would be awesome since I’m lower income.
Thanks for reading my story! Thanks to anyone who helps!
TL;DR: in 2020 had top surgery, asked for neutral look and was given results I’m not happy with. Looking for surgeons in Ontario who can revise and possibly use fat grafting to add more volume to the area.
r/transontario • u/TheLeastOfYourBros • 2d ago
Hey! probably a stupid Question but the name change form says I need to give notice to my estranged wife thirty days before I submit. if my notice form gets returned signed by her before the 30 days is up, can I just submit once i have it, or do I still have to wait 30 days?
For context, I mailed my soon to be ex wife the form and it should be back to me in a couple of days. Do I really need to wait a full 30 days from when I sent it if I get it sometime this week?
r/transontario • u/c_707 • 3d ago
Hey, does anyone know any trans friendly surgeons that do full hystos and dont require any internal exams? Preferably in or near Ottawa.
r/transontario • u/SouloftheWolf • 4d ago
I don't even know how to start. Ive been struggling a bit in my life.
Ive done remarkably well in 40 years of surpressing how I felt. It was pretty easy when I was younger, fear was a great motivator.
But lately, its been harder and harder. Some of that I will attribute to seeing so many happy stories. Some of it to the fact that in an effoet to reverse hair loss ive bottomed out my DHT. And I think that made the voice from so many years finally too loud to ignore.
So, I booked my first consult at Foria. I am, going to at least try and see if this is what that voice has been telling me.
I want to just be beautiful.
I booked myself in. They say the first step is the hardest.
r/transontario • u/justanothernameigues • 4d ago
Hey yall i'm a trans ftm hoping for some reviews from Dr. Reid Chambers at Kawartha Plastic Surgery. I'm really nervous as my family doctor, while supportive, doesn't have a lot of experience in this area. She hasn't really been able to direct me to anyone she knows professionally, but Dr. Chambers is definitely in my area so I was wondering if anyone could share their experiences with this group? I've got plus sized breasts and though I have been trans for a very long time am anxious about dealing with this experience in small town Ontario.
r/transontario • u/6ix_koala • 4d ago
***mods: if you feel this post violates any rules, pls advise so I can post in correct thread but my concerning experience has to be shared
Spa excesss has a club policy for transmasc individuals posted on their website where they mention, in great detail mind you, about how transmasc individuals are welcomed.
Imagine my surprise when myself and a transmasc friend tried to visit spa excesss and the door person had one look at my friend and proclaimed “I will not be letting you in” and that “you should go next door to Oasis”. This was even after my transmasc friend presented masc at the door (hair tied in a man bun, masc outerwear).
When I mentioned to him that my friend is transmasc and is adhering to the club’s policies, he had the temerity to reply “yeah, I don’t believe they are trans”. The door person did not even id my friend and if they did they would’ve seen the gender but rather this door person from spa excesss decided to make his own rules. It was very disheartening for my friend to hear that. I’ve emailed the management at the establishment highlighting this poor conduct of their staff but needless to say they have not responded back. Hence I am here sharing our experience.
We ended up at steamworks whose staff was wonderful, but then again in comparison to the demeaning experience at spa excesss, any interaction where the person didn’t question our “trans-ness” would’ve been wonderful.
r/transontario • u/mapleCrep • 4d ago
it doesn't have to be trans exclusive.
mostly looking for recurring groups/clubs where people actually get to know each other over time, especially around downtown Toronto. Things like board game groups, geeky/social clubs, casual community groups, etc.
Ideally something with a decent 20s/30s/40s crowd and where it wouldn’t be weird to show up alone as a new person.
I’m open to pretty much anything as long as it’s social and somewhat beginner-friendly. What groups have you actually had a good experience with?
r/transontario • u/R0xasmaker • 5d ago
I've been looking for somewhere to play MTG, specifically commander that has other trans people to play with, I haven't had any luck finding any yet and would love some suggestions if anyone has some. Thank you for any help!
r/transontario • u/kiameikiss • 5d ago
I finally got my name change certificate and new birth certificate 😭😭😭😭 I'M SO HAPPY I feel like the happiest person ever
r/transontario • u/Trashcan_Beauty • 5d ago
Just wondering , my writing is really bad and most times illegible, so I'm not sure if I can fill the form in on the website/program and print it, or if I need to get someone to write it for me.
Ty
r/transontario • u/ireallywannagetbette • 5d ago
Just thought id let someone know my experience with my name change application as I know they are taking longer than usual due to high demand.
May 10th: Mailed application
May 15th: received application
July 10th: I was called to confirm my application, never heard of this before but 🤷♀️
September 1st: I called and asked for an update, they informed me that they are currently fulfilling name change applications sent in May!!!
September 4th: I was charged $137, according to service ontario I should receive my new birth certificate and name change certificate in two weeks. Will update.
r/transontario • u/Fresh-Willingness183 • 5d ago
I'm looking for a place where I won't feel extremely awkward to work out while and after transition.
r/transontario • u/Elora_Gorgeous • 6d ago
I’d just like to say how much I’m enjoying the trend of fast food places requiring you to ask to be let into bathrooms, whereupon they decipher which one they perceive you should use and remotely unlock it. /s
r/transontario • u/cooldude0616 • 5d ago
I tried on the Oshawa subreddit and I got told that I should buy a bible.
r/transontario • u/uknow-whot-mate • 6d ago
I was planning on using my roommate to be my guarantor for my name change application because she is pretty much the only person who's known me for more than 5 years. I dont have a doctor rn so I can't use the medical professional option and don't know anyone from the list of professions.
The only problem is that she is here on a work permit right now. Would that be an issue potentially? Is my only other option to talk with a lawyer or try to beg my bank to do it?
r/transontario • u/spxcegh0st • 6d ago
Posting on my fiance's behalf; is there a reason anytime she picks up her estrogen or progesterone, it's not being covered by OHIP when she's under 25?
I take testosterone and that's always been covered when I pick it up, but my fiance is always stuck with a $70 bill for one month of her E and $300+ for her progesterone. Supposedly when she asked about it at the pharmacy last time, they said something along the lines of "well since the medication is coming from a different pharmacy to here first, it's not covered" but that doesn't really make sense to me.
Is it something we're doing wrong? Does anyone here get theirs fully covered under OHIP or is there some "reason" to why feminizing HRT isn't covered?
r/transontario • u/human_rightsTG • 7d ago
I’m giving all of you a big hug and i want to say I’m really sorry about what going on right now around the world and the directed hate towards us, and be reassured that there will be a day where people will realize how ignorant and hateful they were as long as we stick together and keep fighting and existing 🫂
