Most of your gender-affirming care can be managed by your primary care provider (like a family doctor or nurse practitioner), including guidance on non-medical care options and managing hormone therapy. You may need a referral to other healthcare providers depending on your gender-affirming goals and other health concerns, especially if you are considering gender-affirming surgery.

You may be referred to some of the following specialists:

• Psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in helping people with mental health issues. While not everyone needs to see a psychiatrist, there are situations where their support is mandatory, like when someone requires specific surgeries related to transitions.
• Mental health providers (psychologists, counsellors, or social workers). Mental health providers explore how our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours work. They apply this knowledge to support individuals in gaining insight into their mental health, coping with challenges, and making positive changes in their behaviour to improve well-being and quality of life.
• Gynecologist. A gynecologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating issues with the vulva, vagina, uterus, and ovaries. A gynecologist can help with issues related to menstruation and fertility.
• Urologist. A urologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating issues with the penis, scrotum, and prostate. A urologist can help with lower urinary tract symptoms (such as problems holding urine), impotence (erectile dysfunction), and issues caused from an enlarged prostate.
• Endocrinologist. An endocrinologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating health conditions related to hormones and hormonal glands. An endocrinologist can help manage your period, extra hair growth, weight management, diabetes, and other hormonal conditions.

If surgery is part of your journey, then additional healthcare providers may be involved, like plastic surgeons or general surgeons.

If your primary care provider has referred you to another healthcare provider, ask who you are being sent to and what they do. Ask how long it will take to be seen and what you should do if you don’t hear back.