Healthcare

GPs

The quality of GPs varies: You may experience issues with delays in sending your GIC referral; difficulties getting information moved over to your new NHS number when you change gender marker; or a GP suddenly refusing to prescribe HRT.
Even with the best GPs you are ultimately in charge of your own transition. Your GP will not spend much time thinking about your care and there are months or years between GIC appointments. Luckily, trans healthcare is actually quite simple. The bureaucracy is the harder part to manage. HRT is the largest part of trans healthcare, you just need to get your hormone levels into the typical range of the gender you are aiming for. Once you have achieved this for most purposes your body acts in the same way as anyone else with that hormone profile. This is of course a simplification. Guides exist to help navigate the UK's trans healthcare system.

To assist with finding a GP we have a GP review map. (broken, replacement coming soon) Please contribute with your experiences. Anyone can add to the map, if you notice any abuse please let us know.
The quality of care at a GP can change over time as staff come and go. If there arn't any GPs reviewed close to you then you can check if they have gone through the LGBT Foundation's Pride in Practice training.

Blood Tests

It is important to get regular blood tests if you are on HRT. Both to check your oestrogen and testosterone levels and to do the health checks recommended when on any long term medication such as liver function. Having you levels too high or low can cause irritability, tiredness and other inconveniences. You are also unlikely to see results if your dose is too low.

If you cannot get your GP to give you blood tests there are a few ways to get them privately. You might also consider changing GP.
Sapphic Bison is a trans led organisation that does at home blood tests.
Superdrug has several locations that can do oestrogen and testosterone tests.
A quick search online for "blood test Manchester" will also give several pharmacies and hospitals that offer private tests.

Sexual Health

As trans people we are in a higher risk demographic for sexually transmitted disease. It is important to use protection and get tested regularly / inbetween different partners. We recommend looking into vaccinations and PrEP, all of which are available through The Northern Sexual Health on the NHS.