Deciding to start hormone therapy is a deeply personal step, and it's normal to have questions before you begin. Whether you've known for years that this is right for you or you're just starting to explore what's possible, understanding the process can make it feel a lot less daunting.
Gender-affirming hormone therapy (sometimes called HRT) uses medications like estrogen or testosterone to help align your physical characteristics more closely with your gender identity. Over time, it can bring changes in fat distribution, skin texture, body and facial hair, voice, and emotional wellbeing. Everyone's timeline is different, and a knowledgeable provider can help you understand what changes are typical and how long they tend to take.
You may have heard that you need months of therapy or a letter from a mental health provider before you can begin. In practice, many providers now use an informed consent model, which means that as long as you understand the risks, benefits, and what to expect, you can start care without unnecessary gatekeeping. Ongoing support, whether medical, emotional, or both, is still there whenever you want it, and a good care team will make sure you have access to it.
Every provider's process is a little different, but starting hormone therapy usually begins with an initial visit to talk through your goals and medical history, followed by baseline labs, a conversation about your options and how you'd like to take your medication, and regular follow-ups to monitor your levels and adjust along the way. Rather than sending you to a specific office for bloodwork, CoVA Care sends your lab order to a local partner lab like Labcorp or Quest, so you can get your labs done close to home on a schedule that works for you.
Most of our visits happen over telehealth, so you can meet with your provider from wherever you feel comfortable. But care doesn't have to be all virtual. For patients in the Hampton Roads area who'd rather be seen in person, whether for a first visit, a follow-up, or simply because you'd prefer to sit across from your provider, in-person visits are available too, and you're welcome to move between the two depending on what fits your life.
We keep things simple with a few ways to pay, so you can choose what fits your needs and budget:
We also accept insurance, including Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Sentara Health Plans, and Tricare, if you'd rather bill through your plan.
For a lot of people, finding knowledgeable, affirming care isn't easy. Distance, scheduling, cost, or simply not knowing where to look can all get in the way. Our goal is to remove those barriers and make starting hormone therapy feel supportive and straightforward, with providers who understand what you're going through and stay with you from your first visit through ongoing care.
If you're ready to learn more or just want to talk through what starting hormone therapy could look like for you, we're here to help. Schedule a visit and start the conversation.
This article is for general informational purposes and isn't a substitute for personalized medical advice. Talk with a licensed healthcare provider about what's right for your individual health needs.
