Are you prepared?

If you want to embark on a successful journey, you have to prepare appropriately. These six questions should help assess if you are prepared to embark on the stage of the gender transition that moves into the realm of non-reversible changes.

I have previously mentioned the YouTube channel of DR Z PHD - Gender Specialist | Transgender Adults here on BCTS. The channel description states among other things:

Dr. Natalia Zhikhareva (Dr. Z) is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing exclusively in gender dysphoria assessment and treatment for transgender and nonbinary adults.
[…]
Dr. Z specializes in complex presentations involving trauma, neurodivergence, atypical narratives, mental health complexity, and late-life realization. Licensed in California, Texas, New York, and Florida, with telehealth available worldwide.

This channel provides educational content on gender dysphoria, identity assessment, and transition guidance for adults.

With those credentials out of the way, here are the six questions that she presents and explains in her recent video Before You Start HRT: 6 Critical Questions That Will Save You From Regret!:

1. Why am I starting hormones right now? Why now, instead of six months into the future?
2. What is my plan for coming out?
3. Am I prepared for all the changes? Which changes am I excited about? Which changes am I scared of?
4. How will I handle the in-between?
5. What if hormones to not do everything?
6. What is my backup plan if something goes wrong?

In the video Dr. Z gives several examples taken from her extensive interaction with transgender and non-binary adults in her practice. She clarifies each of those questions. The 28 minutes of this video are, in my humble opinion, well worth investing.

I know that these questions are aimed more at those at the beginning of their gender journey. But maybe those further down the road could share some of their own experience and insight based on the benefit of hindsight.