Information for GPs

Update to progesterone guidelines - 30 January 2023

Due to increased requests for progesterone from service users our guidelines have been updated. Scroll down to the 'Prescribing Guidelines for GPs' section and click the 'Updated progesterone guidelines' link to see the new document.

Sustanon® shortage- 19th January 2023

We have been made aware that there is currently a shortage of Sustanon® which is affecting some areas of the country.

Should this affect your patient, we would advise that you prescribe Testosterone Enantate at the same dosage as an alternative.

Note: Sustanon contains arachis oil (peanut oil).

We require the information listed in this document to accept a referral for triage.

The NHS England circular on primary care responsibilities in relation to the prescribing and monitoring of hormone therapy for patients undergoing or having undergone gender dysphoria treatments is available here.

GP hormone advice line - 07811041506

GPs can call our hormone advice line on 07811041506.

This line is exclusively for medical professionals who require urgent advice on hormone treatment and monitoring for transgender patients.

We will aim to provide you with a call back within 48 hours wherever possible.

If more routine advice is needed please write to the medic who is looking after your patient with your query in the usual way and they will respond by return.

Please note that this line is not for patient use – we will not respond to patient queries made via this phone number.

Training

We understand that some GPs may not be familiar with prescribing for trans people and we want to ensure that you feel supported.

We always provide GPs with help and guidance when required. Our medical team also run regular training and consultation workshops for general practitioners and primary care staff. If you are interested in attending a training session please contact us by emailing porterbrook@shsc.nhs.uk or calling 0114 2716671.

You can find RCGP guidance on transgender medicine here.

Prescribing guidelines for GPs

Guidelines are available to support GPs in the ongoing management of patients requiring life-long medication.

Helpful guidance on working with trans people

NHS England have put together a guide that is designed to give you a basic understanding of trans people and their needs, as well as tips on how you can best support them in your role and in the workplace.

It will also point you to sources of further reading and information. You can download the guide by clicking here.

For additional information visit the General Medical Council's website.

Transgender hormone prescribing/monitoring training

The Gender Identity Clinic (GIC) delivers training sessions aimed at NHS healthcare professionals (such as GPs, pharmacists and non- medical prescribers).

The sessions are delivered by one of the gender specialists, with topics including:

Transgender hormones/medicines awareness and management
Primary care screening
Questions and answers - offering an opportunity to ask specific questions relating to patients that you might see in your practice
Referral rates and waiting times
Assessment pathway and overview of clinics in England

If you are interested in attending a training session please contact us by emailing porterbrook@shsc.nhs.uk or calling 0114 2716671.