Got a prescription from my GP this morning. 
Still 3 years until my first appointment with the Gender Identity Clinic.
Basically I quoted to him the NHS guideline for GPs when dealing with patients with gender dysphoria.
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Transhealth/D...-staff.pdf
“If the individual is already taking hormones (having been started by a private gender specialist or through self-medication), it is generally not stipulated that they stop altogether,although there is emerging evidence that self-medication can lead to a poorer outcome. The focus is rather on safe use of hormones, and blood investigations inform this. If someone is taking doses or combinations which represent a risk, they will be advised of this and appropriate guidance given.” - Page 11
“Dependent on whether an individual has socially transitioned in the sense of living full time in their preferred gender role (or is felt by the specialist gender clinician to be likely to do so imminently), it may be reasonable to recommend that the GP prescribe exogenous hormones-oestrogen for trans women (Male-to-Female) and testosterone for trans men (Female-to-Male)-possibly in combination with a GnRH analogue. It is important to note that there is every indication that these are safe and effective treatments” - also Page 11
If you are living 'full time' (or about to) you can have HRT meds prescribed without having to wait for the GIC.
Saying that, I have a friend who can't even get blood tests from her GP
Your mileage will vary but with this information it's worth trying.
Still 3 years until my first appointment with the Gender Identity Clinic.Basically I quoted to him the NHS guideline for GPs when dealing with patients with gender dysphoria.
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Transhealth/D...-staff.pdf
“If the individual is already taking hormones (having been started by a private gender specialist or through self-medication), it is generally not stipulated that they stop altogether,although there is emerging evidence that self-medication can lead to a poorer outcome. The focus is rather on safe use of hormones, and blood investigations inform this. If someone is taking doses or combinations which represent a risk, they will be advised of this and appropriate guidance given.” - Page 11
“Dependent on whether an individual has socially transitioned in the sense of living full time in their preferred gender role (or is felt by the specialist gender clinician to be likely to do so imminently), it may be reasonable to recommend that the GP prescribe exogenous hormones-oestrogen for trans women (Male-to-Female) and testosterone for trans men (Female-to-Male)-possibly in combination with a GnRH analogue. It is important to note that there is every indication that these are safe and effective treatments” - also Page 11
If you are living 'full time' (or about to) you can have HRT meds prescribed without having to wait for the GIC.
Saying that, I have a friend who can't even get blood tests from her GP
Your mileage will vary but with this information it's worth trying.