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Educational article

Affirming Endocrine Care in Trans Adulthood: Planning Follow-Up Across Different Life Stages

Endomédicos

Endomédicos medical profile

Published 7 min read

Educational content. It does not replace an individual medical assessment and should not be used for self-medication.

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An endocrinologist and an adult review a clinical summary and a medication list during a follow-up appointment in Bogotá.
Reviewing medical history and treatments can help organize continuity of endocrine follow-up in Bogotá.

Is endocrine care necessary for all transgender people?

Not necessarily. Being transgender is not an illness or something that needs to be corrected. Some transgender adults want endocrine support or use hormone therapy; others do not want it, do not need it, or prefer to address other health needs. If requested, a consultation provides an opportunity to discuss goals, medical history, and questions without assuming that hormone therapy will be started.

Myth: All transgender people must use hormones

Affirming care respects that each person defines their own goals. When endocrine support is requested, the care team can provide relevant clinical information and support shared decision-making based on the individual’s situation. Using hormones is not an obligation or a condition for recognizing or respecting someone’s identity.

What may endocrine follow-up include?

It may include a discussion of current health, medical history, medications, and care goals. For someone using hormone therapy, the care team may review the treatment alongside the medical history and agree on appropriate follow-up. For someone who is not using it, the consultation may address other endocrine questions or specific concerns. The evaluation and its frequency depend on the clinical situation, the person’s preferences, and the treatments used.

Myth: Everyone follows the same schedule for checkups

There is no universal interval that applies to everyone. Needs may change, for example, when care goals change, when health changes occur, or when a treatment is started or stopped with clinical support. It is reasonable to ask what follow-up is being proposed in each case and why; any decision should take the person’s medical history and preferences into account.

What information may be helpful to share?

It may help to bring a list of current medications, mention relevant previous treatments, and share any known personal and family medical history. You can also note recent health changes, questions, and goals for the consultation. If you have previous test results or clinical summaries, you can ask whether they are relevant. You do not need to have everything organized before seeking care; the available information can be pieced together with the care team.

Changing cities, jobs, or providers: supporting continuity of care

If your place of residence, coverage, or care team changes, it may be helpful to request copies of available clinical summaries and test results and ask how to share them securely with the new team. For example, when moving from Bogotá to another city, you can ask your current provider what documents are available and how to contact the new service. Access and coverage options depend on each person’s situation.

How can you discuss privacy and respectful treatment?

You can say which name and pronouns you prefer and ask who will have access to your clinical information. You can also discuss what information is relevant and how care would be coordinated with other professionals, when needed and with the appropriate authorization. If something is unclear or does not feel respectful, you can explain what you need and ask what options are available for continuing care.

Preparing for a follow-up appointment

Before the appointment, it may help to write down the topics you want to discuss and gather the clinical information you have available. During the appointment, ask which parts of your history are relevant, what follow-up is being proposed, and how care would be coordinated with other professionals if needed. If the plan is unclear, you can ask for an explanation before making decisions.

When should you request another review?

You can request an appointment if your care goals change, if you have questions about hormone therapy, if you have health changes that concern you, or if you need to resume care after an interruption. If starting, changing, or stopping a treatment is being considered, it is advisable to discuss the plan with your care team. A consultation allows you to review your current needs, but it does not presume a diagnosis or a particular decision. This content is educational and does not replace an individual evaluation.

When to seek medical care

If symptoms persist, test results are abnormal, or you have questions about medication, arrange an individual assessment. Do not change treatment or doses without medical guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Can I see an endocrinologist even if I do not use hormones?

Yes. A consultation can address endocrine questions or specific health needs without requiring hormone use. The appropriateness of follow-up is discussed in light of your goals and medical history.

What should I do if I do not have previous results or records?

You can explain what care you received and what information you remember. You can also ask your previous care team whether it is possible to request a summary or test results; your current team can guide you on how to proceed based on your situation.

Do I have to share all personal details to receive care?

You can ask what information is clinically relevant and how it will be handled. The care team can explain the purpose of its questions and discuss privacy and care coordination with you.

Does this topic resonate with you?

Every case is different. Book a consultation to review your history, test results and goals with a personalized plan.

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