Role of a hormone clinician in the Leeds Gender Service Easy Read

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This guide will explain the role of a hormone clinician within the Leeds Gender Identity Service.

What is a hormone clinician?

Illustration of a healthcare clinician wearing a white medical coat and stethoscope, with the words “Hormone Clinician” at the top. A hormone clinician is someone who is able to assess and advise on treatment for gender affirming care.

What do I need to do before my appointment?

Illustration showing a person walking towards a building where two clinicians are standing inside, with a green medical cross and a heart symbol held by hands, and the word “appointment” at the top.

Illustration of an arm with a syringe taking blood from the arm, with the words “blood test” at the top.

 At least four weeks before your appointment date, you will receive a letter or email with an information pack. It will instruct you to:

  • Book an appointment with test.
  • Get your height, weight, and blood pressure measurements at your GP. You will need to write these down or ask someone to.
  • Get a copy of your results and measurements.
  • Send these to the Leeds Gender Identity Service before your appointment.

The hormone clinician cannot advise your GP about prescribing hormones without this information.

What will happen during my first appointment?

Illustration of a person speaking to a doctor wearing a white coat and stethoscope, with lines showing conversation and the words “talk to your doctor” at the top. The appointment is to find out information about you and your hopes for hormone treatment.

 

 
Illustration of a person’s face with a speech bubble containing a question mark and the words “any questions” above. They will ask questions about:

  • Medical history – please do have a list of your regular medications available for your appointment
  • Family medical history and relationships
  • Sexual activity
  • Employment and smoking/alcohol usage
  • Exercise
  • Previous hormone treatments

They will discuss:

  • Fertility preservation (storing your eggs/sperm)
  • Contraception Hormone regimes
Illustration of a person’s face with two thought bubbles: one containing a green tick and one containing a red cross, with the word “consent” at the top. You will need to weigh up the risks and benefits of hormone treatment and will be asked to complete a consent form.

Please do read the consent form and write down anything you do not understand. You can then use this list to ask questions in your hormone appointment.
Illustration of two people facing each other with an information symbol and arrow between them, a speech bubble with a question mark, and the words “share information” at the top. A plan will be made about your hormone treatment.

Following this, your hormone clinician will write a letter to your GP with the plan going forward.