It appears that systemic healthcare (and government) failure is causing a lack of trans care within the system. Some folks who're left exposed by that lack are taking their healthcare into their own hands.
As in they find sources for hormones other than their doctor? While I don't know that I'd generally advise taking something so significant without a doctor's oversight, I recognize that everyone should have the right to play chemist with their own body and that healthcare systems vary widely across the globe.
It appears that way, but! Youre hittin the wall of my ignorance mate. I just gathered that from post context and the replies in this thread. I think I'll watch that video i saw posted further up the thread cuz I'm curious too
Did you watch any? I learned a great deal in the first 20 minutes
It's not illegal to self-medicate with hormones in GB. (except for our trans -masc friends who can't get test). Many trans elect to buy their hormones online. These must be bought from other countries though, apparently they're are none in the UK.
There's a growing network of trans folks helping others navigate the proper hormones to buy and from what sites because there are scammers, and it's of course dangerous to take even proper hormones without a doctor's advice
Official reports in UK state over 40% of trans people self-medicate, but the video says in her experience its far more.
Even though its a citizens right in the UK to get treatment within 18 weeks, it can take years to get a doc appt for trans care.
Many GPs (what they call us yank's Primary care physicians) are standoffish or actively hostile to requests for referral to gender care offices.
Bad bad news. I had to take an anger break. I'll go back later cuz she's a good presenter and entertaining, but i thought id tell you what i learned in case you haven't watched it yet.
(DIY is Do-It-Yourself. HRT is Hormone Replacement Therapy. DIY HRT is doing HRT on your own, without professional assistance, in situations where HRT may be otherwise difficult or illegal to obtain because of age, family, or local politics)