Dr Kalra made sure that all of us would have no confusion during our HRT journey by clarifying the most confusing and difficult aspects of HRT and answering all our doubts. Additionally, she has some advice that we could use during our journey with HRT.

Advice

1. Trans-friendly doctors
   Dr Pramila Kalra says that first and foremost thing that you have to keep in mind is that “always trust your doctors and go to a person who deals with Transgender people. Someone who would understand. Because I understand that all doctors are not comfortable with it at the moment so go to someone who gets it.”
2. There will be guidelines so don’t worry
   Dr Kalra and other doctors who have worked with Trans people in India are working really hard to make sure that they will have proper guidelines for treatment. “Now we are trying to come up with the guidelines too. So the first consultation always would like to visit the doctor personally or a family physician so that we can just talk to us and give the right treatment. So there are doctors available who are going to be doctors to give you information with the basic parameters. It’s always good for you and your endocrinologist to take a call during the first meeting.”
3. Follow orders
   Dr Kalra advises sternly, “Follow the doctor’s orders. Don’t take an overdose, don’t worry, the effects will be slow, it won’t be fast it will be a little slow and lifestyle modification of no smoking and alcohol is very important.”
4. Try and talk to your family
   Dr Kalra also says “Always keep your family with you. Always see that they talk to you. Parents may not understand but give them time to understand. Don’t be very fast with these things, and don’t try to rush things- people tell us to start hormones today or tomorrow. Go slow. Let your parents be comfortable with it and then get some time, a month or so, to take decisions about ovum banking or sperm banking. And this is one thing that parents will always worry about. Things will fall into place you just have to take your time.”

Remember these words from the doctor while starting your journey with HRT so you can have a fruitful transitioning process.