There are often important social effects from taking hormones which the patient must consider. These include relationship changes with family members, friends, and employers. Hormone use may be an important factor in job discrimination, loss of employment, divorce and marriage decisions, and the restriction or loss of visitation rights for children. The social effects of hormones, however, can be positive as well. The Prescribing Physician's Responsibilities.
Hormones are to be prescribed by a physician.
Hormones are not to be administered simply because patients demand them. Adequate psychological and medical assessment are required before and during treatment. Patients who do not understand the eligibility and readiness requirements and who are unaware of the SOC should be informed of them. This may be a good indication for a referral to a mental health professional experienced with gender identity disorders. The physician providing hormonal treatment and medical monitoring need not be a specialist in endocrinology, but should become well-versed in the relevant medical and psychological aspects of treating persons with gender identity disorders.