[fao_]

> Ah, it seems to be people transitioning but doing so without the aid of a doctor.

No. The number one piece of advice on the site is to see a GP and endo for monthy blood testing of certain specific markers to ensure that everything is fine.

The reason the community exists is because for many people the local (and usually arbitrary) rules put on transitioning are ridiculous, and even after fulfilling those points the health service makes them wait typically over three years for hormone replacement therapy. Given that HRT is a critical aspect of treatment, and almost completely safe, for many people on /r/transDIY it's a hopeful alternative to ending it early.

(HRT has ridiculous rates of success compared to other contemporary medical treatments: https://twitter.com/GenderCareDrL/status/820672719473770496)

[qwerty456127]

> Given that HRT is a critical aspect of treatment, and almost completely safe

Doesn't taking hormones damage the glands that produce them endogenously?