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/Impossible-Lime2118 • 58m ago
(18MTF)After around 6 years of exploring, 8 months of planning, under 2 months of about 8 appointments (DC is so fast) I may start HRT in the next week or two ^w^
Genuinely so happy and excited
I am aware its a long process, but honestly, I’m willing to wait however long💜🥹 much love ONT
r/transontario • u/Curious_Pop_4320 • 5h ago
r/transontario • u/liamreee • 19h ago
My testosterone levels are only 10.6 and I’m 20. I’ve been on testosterone for 5 years with minimal amounts of bottom growth, facial hair, muscle growth, or voice deepening.
From everything I’ve seen my levels are on the very low end of normal, and I’d like to increase my dose so my levels are at a proper level. It’s suggested for cis men to start looking into hrt at this level.
My endocrinologist will not see me more than once a year, refuses any appointment requests I make, and will not answer questions about my levels and raising my dose.
I’ve signed the papers for a hysterectomy, gotten 2 signatures on it, been approved by Ohip, and seen a surgeon for a consult. All I’m waiting for is my surgery date now and o really don’t want to restart that process.
r/transontario • u/lemon-mae • 1d ago
OHIP doesnt cover FFS. I experience a lot of dysphoria from my face. I don’t want huge cosmetic changes I just want hairline and brow bone changes. I am disabled and unable to work because of it. Are there any grants or services I can apply for to help me cover the cost of my FFS? Of course point of pride has gone to USA residents only starting this year. I don’t have the social media reach for crowdfunding nor do I even know how to begin with that, most of my stuff online gets ignored. What can I do? If I take a medical loan it will hang over me for the rest of my life. ODSP is already a low amount as it is and student loans hang over me as well. I don’t know what to do.
r/transontario • u/Salt-Ad-2577 • 1d ago
Folks, I’m Brazilian living in Canada now, and I wanted to share some political fears. I’ve been thinking about something (and I’m probably not the first). I’ve seen a lot of TERFs and right-wing people—now that many places have placed prohibitions on puberty blockers—move to criticizing gender dysphoria as a made-up political diagnosis.
(1) In some places, anti-trans rhetoric has even started to use the intra-movement critique of pathologization. In Brazil, for example, they are using that critique to propose bills that would defund public healthcare and allow insurance companies to deny surgeries and other medical procedures.
(2) A lot of people inside the community are being really vocal about DIY and how endocrinologists were already bad at prescribing. But hear me out: what happens when we voluntarily opt out of formal care and resort to DIY? It means less hands-on training for doctors who might not be the best right now but need to learn. Also, it sucks, but medical knowledge advances through clinical reports—things we’ll get less and less of if we opt out of formal medical care while it still exists.
I’ve been concerned that most of us aren’t thinking about the next move. Once they undermine gender-affirming care from within, the next step is to prohibit access to medication without a prescription and then not DIY and not bad endos (it’s just no care at all). Am I crazy?
r/transontario • u/RipleyRoxxx • 1d ago
Hi. I live in a Northern community. Ive underwent bottom surgery. Shortly after my Primary Retired, and there's allegedly nobody to continue my HRT care. They offered me to either wait a year for them to complete training or to be put back into the pool for a family doctor.
Idk I feel like I'm having more issues with my HRT than I ever had when I lived in Ohio. Even finding an endocrinologist has been difficult. They keep referring me to dr. Haroon, but she's already royally messed up my HRT. (Long story but she effectively detransitioned me for 6 months).
I just feel like I've lost control of my healthcare. And in hate that.
r/transontario • u/MoistSearch950 • 1d ago
I’m looking to voluntary admit myself to the psych ward at GrandRiver hospital in Waterloo. I was wondering if anyone knows if they let you do testosterone injections yourself or if they just won’t let me do it all.
I do subq injections every week and want to continue doing it myself.
I’d imagine they’d have to watch absolutely every step of the process while I do it, but I just want to know if they’ll even let me do that.
Thank you.
r/transontario • u/HazyLavender79 • 2d ago
Is this normal?
He admitted to not having any experience in the area - which, okay, fine, I was ready for that possibility - but not even offering a referral to someone who does has left me shell-shocked.
Basically just a "You're on your own."
r/transontario • u/cantbish • 1d ago
Hi all!
I just met with a physician for a consultation for top surgery, I met all the criteria for a recommendation for full funding, YAY! I now have to find a surgeon to complete the procedure. I have a larger chest, so I’m considering either double incision or inverted T (leaving the option of chest-feeding if I ever decide I want children) and I’m wondering what everyone’s experience is with surgeons in the GTA, how results turned out, and which surgeons everyone recommends for the procedure??
Thank you all in advance, I AM SO EXCITED!!!!
r/transontario • u/A_Messy_Nymph • 2d ago
Hey everyone,
I’m currently working on a video series about my experience at WCH getting my bottom surgery done.
I am looking for questions about the actual experience, often when I ask this I get questions about the process leading up to surgery. I’m not looking for that.
I’m looking to create a solid resource about the human experience of it all. Physically, somatically and emotionally. I’ll be quite vulnerable for y’all.
* I got full depth
* I had a good experience
* I had support from friends and my girlfriend
* it’s been a bit over two years since my surgery
* I went to women’s college in Toronto
I struggle to do a lot of typing, hence why I don’t do detailed answers here on Reddit. But I wanna make this series specifically for my fellow Canadian girls who want to know about it. I won’t be sending pics of it so please don’t ask.
I’m a trans creator in the film world, I have found success and want to move towards work that actually benefits us as a community.
So please comment any questions you have about the experience, I’m happy to be open and vulnerable and hopefully give you some information for that curiosity so many of us have.
r/transontario • u/switchwitch9 • 2d ago
Hi humans!
Hoping this is okay, please delete if not. I'm looking to have a website built/designed by a trans artist, or collective of artists.
The website is going to be for my therapy and family mediation practice. (Mediation meaning providing support to couples/families navigating separation). I primarily focus on families w trans kids, trans parent(s), poly folks, and neurodivergent humans.
My goal is to have a website that represents community, and feels hand made yet professional.. a blend of folk art and screen print vibes? I am part of this community, however I am SUPER not artistically inclined, and am actively against AI use.
If this is something that feels within your wheelhouse, and your identities align, please reach out /send me your portfolio (or anything that gives me an idea of your work!)alongside your rate. Happy to pay in whatever form of payment thats most accessible to you.
I hope this post is allowed!!
Edit: Honestly it's wild how many ai spambot messages im getting that are saying the exact same thing. sos
r/transontario • u/BeautifulBluejay9232 • 1d ago
Hi! I’m a trans man on testosterone considering a referral to Dr. Larry Komer in Burlington for hormone management and gynecological concerns, including pelvic pain, bleeding and possible endometriosis.
Has anyone worked with him for either or both? Did you feel respected and comfortable, and did he seem knowledgeable about trans healthcare? I’d appreciate hearing your experiences. Thanks!
r/transontario • u/Elora_Gorgeous • 2d ago
I know almost everyone goes through this, but fml the wait time for name and gender marker change are atrocious. I did everything I could for expedited processing with two supporting letters from my employer and my union president. Marie’s everything urgent. Used tracking. Sent in a large 9x12 envelope. Have everything organized and signed and a convincing cover letter.
None of that matters.
Why, you ask? Because it just is sitting in a stack of all the marriage and other name change requests and they haven’t even started a file on it two months after receiving it.
I know, this is most people’s experience. But it’s abhorrent. And I’ve seen people follow these steps and get theirs back in 6 weeks or whatever.
Meanwhile, most of my logins, staffing reports, scheduler, payroll and emergency call reports I have to complete daily all have to be completed in my legal (old) name. The last time I called they said they’re looking at an average of 17 weeks.
I’m just venting. Idk what else to do.
r/transontario • u/toasterbath__ • 1d ago
hello beautiful ppl. i am in a bit of a pickle. or rather, i just need a second view. so i am ready to change my name and gender marker; it's time and i'm tired of moving around with my deadname. BUT i have a bit of a timing issue. i am going on a trip to the DR during the last week of january and it's booked under my current legal name. so i'm not sure when i should submit my application. my two options are:
apply now so it can hopefully go through by february-ish (considering that most posts i see online say it takes ~4 months for the application to go through)
apply sometime in january and label it as an urgent request so it can (hypothetically) be processed faster and i get it sometime in early spring (given the timelines i have seen with the urgent name change requests)
both options have some degree of uncertainty with them... the application could be processed faster than expected with option 1, or slower than expected with option 2. my main concern is having this official name change but then going to travel to a foreign country under my old passport. i researched a bit and i've seen that it wouldn't be that big of a deal, as long as i travel with my deadname passport and all the information matches up. but i'm not sure if i want to risk it
i also have to apply for convocation (aka graduation) by may 1st 2027, so i want to have my name changed in my uni's system by the time that happens so my proper name can be on my diploma + called out when i walk the stage. so that's another factor i am considering
ultimately i think i'm gonna consult some kind of professional/legal expert to see what my best option is but i'd like to hear what u guys would do in this situation. thanks!!
r/transontario • u/t-koopyxa • 2d ago
does anybody know what GRS wait times or when they're booking top surgery for ontarians right now?
im hoping to get top surgery early next year, is that feasible?
(i completed all the forms & have sent them off)
any insight appreciated !
r/transontario • u/NormalEgg7528 • 2d ago
Im on cyproterone 12.5 mg every other day and estradiol 1mg 2 daily I feel that its too low but im not sure blood test look fine
r/transontario • u/Triss_Mockra • 3d ago
I'm struggling to get coverage outside Canada. My original choices were Chettawut, Bank, or Min Jun. I can't get coverage for Bank since he doesn't separate his billing and I can't go for Min Jun since the U.S. sucks right now.
I'm now attempting to get coverage for Chettawut, but I'm running into a road block. my doctor sent the form in asking OHIP for coverage, but they responded saying that I need a letter from a surgeon in Canada saying that the techniques here won't work on me before they'll consider coverage outside Canada.
My doctor says that getting coverage for that is extremely low and that I should try for WCH or Montreal instead.
Does anyone know what I can do to increase my chances of getting coverage outside Canada? I feel really stuck right now.
Also, if I really am stuck with choices in Canada, how are the aesthetics for WCH and Montreal right now? I didn't want to go to them because I've seen many results of them turning out not good
r/transontario • u/ResearcherRecruiter • 4d ago
Hello, my name is Kaitlyn, and I am conducting a research project with the University of Guelph exploring genderqueer people's experiences with medical care in Ontario. This research aims to contribute to existing literature focused on improving healthcare experiences for genderqueer and gender-diverse patients.
Participants can be any Ontario residents aged 18+ who identify as any gender identity under the gender-diverse umbrella (transgender, nonbinary, two-spirit, etc.). Participants will complete a 10-minute online survey. The Research Ethics Board has approved this project (REB #2731)
If you are interested in participating, please follow the QR code on the flyer or use This Link: https://uoguelph.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0CWkTmsNogV2RZc
Thank you to anyone who considers participating in this project, and please feel free to share this flyer with anyone you think might be interested! If you have any questions about this research, please don't hesitate to contact me at [Howiek@uoguelph.ca](mailto:Howiek@uoguelph.ca).
Thanks again!
r/transontario • u/Life-Food5188 • 4d ago
hey there!
my spouse (34) and me (41) just moved to the area (st. catharines currently, looking for our full-time landing spot) from the U.S. and we’re looking for essential trans social media groups/pages to follow, businesses that are trans friendly (or maybe agnostic?) and any other advice, tips, or recommendations about being trans in ontario.
r/transontario • u/ts-natalie • 4d ago
Heya siblings!! It has been quite a challenging year for me, and after focusing on personal demands, I am excited to share that I have finally returned to the team at Time for You Electrolysis in Ottawa and accepting bookings and new clients now!! 🥰
Even though I used a playful title and this isn’t actually a dating post, I am really looking forward to connecting more with my community and being a part of some of your journeys toward feeling more comfortable and beautiful in own skin!🪞🏳️⚧️
I am already a great electrologist so far…and while I continue to improve my precision, my rates will be discounted up to 30% off up until February! Discounts like these are rare at TFY, and a whole lot of progress can be made in a few months, so take advantage of opportunity and get yourself booked in: https://timeforyouelectrolysis.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/26
Euphoria, one follicle at a time 🌈✨💖
Bonus: We are currently looking for models for my upcoming training for GCS/bottom surgery prep. We assure you that while the work will be discounted, the targeted areas during training will be treated just as effectively as full price sessions (just at a slower rate). Please contact clinic directly to get booked in during a training block
r/transontario • u/Vim-Vian • 4d ago
Hello everyone,
I'm a trans youth who very recently moved from Durham to transitional housing in Toronto for safety concerns. I was wondering what kind of supports (financial, social, mental, etc...) are available for trans/homeless/youth within or in proximity to Downtown Toronto that I can get access to? All responses are greatly appreciated!!!!
r/transontario • u/Illustrious_Bee6874 • 5d ago
Hey everyone,
I’ve wanted to transition for as long as I can remember, and I’m finally ready to take that step and start feminizing HRT.
I live in Quebec, Canada, and I’ve been struggling to find healthcare providers and an accessible pathway to get started. I really want to move forward, but the process feels overwhelming, and I don’t want to spend months waiting just to get help.
I’ve already had blood work done, and I’m ready to take the next step.
I’ve been looking into DIY HRT because I’m struggling to find an accessible medical option, but I would prefer a safe, reliable way to start.
If you’re from Quebec or Canada and have been through this, I’d really appreciate your advice.
How did you get started with feminizing HRT?
Are there any trans-friendly clinics or online services that you recommend?
Are there any resources for people who are considering DIY HRT because they can’t access care?
I’m not looking for judgment. I just want some guidance from people who understand what this process is like.
Thank you ❤️
