Looking to understand

Posted by reech70 @reech70, Jan 7 11:00am

Hi there. Im a mom of a 20yo MtF college student who has been on HRT for a year now. I have so many questions and concerns as a mom. I don't want any harm to come to my child and this HRT scares me. So many things can go wrong. Anyone with reasonable reassurance and help to understand? 😊 TIA

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the LGBTQIA Health Support Group.

Welcome, @reech70. As a parent, we will always worry. I'm tagging @dsjohnston53 who supports their young adult child in transition too.

This is an older discussion, but I wonder if some of the comments and resources posted might be helpful for you:
- What's an ally? How can I help improve a patient transitioning? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/whats-an-ally-how-can-allies-help-improve-a-patient-transitioning/

Just remember, your support is priceless.

REPLY
@colleenyoung

Welcome, @reech70. As a parent, we will always worry. I'm tagging @dsjohnston53 who supports their young adult child in transition too.

This is an older discussion, but I wonder if some of the comments and resources posted might be helpful for you:
- What's an ally? How can I help improve a patient transitioning? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/whats-an-ally-how-can-allies-help-improve-a-patient-transitioning/

Just remember, your support is priceless.

Jump to this post

Thank you for the link from past discussions. I am trying to be understanding. Which is difficult at times, because selfishly I'm concerned that my child will become sterile and omit any possible opportunities to have biological children. Or what happens with botched surgeries or they realize later in years they made a mistake with the choice.? Could this be a rebellion against an over bearing father which whom I have been divorced 8 years? Is it possible to be the result of doing what's "cool" or trendy?
And Please understand I am not trying to be ignorant with my comments or concerns, I do feel they are genuine to many parents.- This is my only child. As a parent we want our kids to be happy, productive, kind people. But deep down we do want our children to have children of their own... I understand adoption is an option and children of their own my never be wanted- but now the HRT eliminates that chance? - And what about physical changed? And defiantly social issues!? So many things. - Thanks for "listening"

REPLY
@reech70

Thank you for the link from past discussions. I am trying to be understanding. Which is difficult at times, because selfishly I'm concerned that my child will become sterile and omit any possible opportunities to have biological children. Or what happens with botched surgeries or they realize later in years they made a mistake with the choice.? Could this be a rebellion against an over bearing father which whom I have been divorced 8 years? Is it possible to be the result of doing what's "cool" or trendy?
And Please understand I am not trying to be ignorant with my comments or concerns, I do feel they are genuine to many parents.- This is my only child. As a parent we want our kids to be happy, productive, kind people. But deep down we do want our children to have children of their own... I understand adoption is an option and children of their own my never be wanted- but now the HRT eliminates that chance? - And what about physical changed? And defiantly social issues!? So many things. - Thanks for "listening"

Jump to this post

I'm glad you're trying to understand. I found this quote from Cesar A. Gonzalez, Ph.D., L.P., Psychiatry and Psychology, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota:
"Some people erroneously think transgender patients make a choice to change their gender. Rather, it's about confirming their identity and wanting to live authentically. Being transgender indicates diversity, not pathology. Our goal is to relieve the distress associated with the incongruence between their gender identity and physical body." Read more here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/endocrinology/news/mayo-clinics-transgender-and-intersex-specialty-care-clinic-provides-a-home-base-for-transgender-patients-and-those-with-differences-of-sexual-development/mac-20502820

An essential part of transitioning is supportive counseling. Is your child being cared for at a Transgender Specialty Care Clinic?

You can read about the Transgender and Intersex Specialty Care Clinic at Mayo here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gender-dysphoria/care-at-mayo-clinic/mac-20475281
.
Care involves many specialties and disciplines. This can include counseling for parents and allies who are supporting your child in their journey. Do you have access to counseling where you can ask frank questions, be open about mourning your loss of what you thought the future would be with grandchildren, and express your concerns and fears?

REPLY

Again, thank you for your help and kindness. The area I live in has limited access to my knowledge thus far... im still searching. I'm in St. Louis, MO... so if any suggestions are out there please offer. Its one of those catch 22 things- if you don't know where to look or what to ask, then you don't know .

REPLY
@reech70

Again, thank you for your help and kindness. The area I live in has limited access to my knowledge thus far... im still searching. I'm in St. Louis, MO... so if any suggestions are out there please offer. Its one of those catch 22 things- if you don't know where to look or what to ask, then you don't know .

Jump to this post

Harvesting and freezing eggs is typical for FAB who transitions. It's a relatively common practice today.
There are also a number of private Facebook sites specifically developed for parents of transgender children. You can find links to others who are in a similar point in their life.
I would also recommend both you and your child reach out to a therapist with training in LGBTQIA+ counseling. To ensure the therapist is qualified, ask if they are fully credentialed by WPATH - the internationally-recognized professional sanctioning body for transgender care.

REPLY
@bobbie4481

Harvesting and freezing eggs is typical for FAB who transitions. It's a relatively common practice today.
There are also a number of private Facebook sites specifically developed for parents of transgender children. You can find links to others who are in a similar point in their life.
I would also recommend both you and your child reach out to a therapist with training in LGBTQIA+ counseling. To ensure the therapist is qualified, ask if they are fully credentialed by WPATH - the internationally-recognized professional sanctioning body for transgender care.

Jump to this post

THANK YOU

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.