LGBTQ friendly GYN for 17 yo in Northern Virginia

[Anonymous]

DD needs to see a GYN for irregular periods. She questions her gender identity and has no sexual feelings. Are there any recommended GYN's in NOVA to address her needs? We are willing to travel into DC/MD, but would prefer someone more local. Also, if you have suggestions for questions we should be asking the GYN and what blood/hormone tests we should be requesting, please share.

When I brought up hormone testing with DD's MD, she said it was unnecessary and not really a "thing". My DD is desperate for answers and wants to understand who she is. If you can guide me as to how to help her, please let me know. We are LGBTQ friendly family and she knows she has our support. I'm just adding this in to be clear we are NOT trying to change who she is, but help her in her journey.

Thank you, DCUM!

[Anonymous]

I recommend reaching out to the gender clinic at Children’s as they may have referrals for your family (both a gynecologist and counselor if DD is interested in exploring more).

[Anonymous]

Takoma Park Women’s Health Center

[Anonymous]

There’s not really a blood test or hormone test to tell where your kid falls on the sexuality or gender spectrums. Also, they’re fluid so her feelings may change with time and experience. The gender clinic sounds like a good starting point. They should have a gyn to help, and also therapists who can help her figure things out. They’ll know the right questions to ask to make her think about who she is and how she wants to handle her identity.

[Anonymous]

I’m not sure why the doctor said that about hormone testing. The irregular periods could be PCOS, which could call for hormone testing to disgnose. As for the rest of it, I’d try to find a therapist who will take things slowly.

[Anonymous]

Highly recommend Dr. Lexi Light: https://www.vhcphysiciangroup.com/doctors/alexis-light/.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There’s not really a blood test or hormone test to tell where your kid falls on the sexuality or gender spectrums. Also, they’re fluid so her feelings may change with time and experience. The gender clinic sounds like a good starting point. They should have a gyn to help, and also therapists who can help her figure things out. They’ll know the right questions to ask to make her think about who she is and how she wants to handle her identity.

But they can test for levels of testosterone/estrogen. If OP’s daughter has a higher than normal level of testosterone that could explain her uncertainty about her gender.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s not really a blood test or hormone test to tell where your kid falls on the sexuality or gender spectrums. Also, they’re fluid so her feelings may change with time and experience. The gender clinic sounds like a good starting point. They should have a gyn to help, and also therapists who can help her figure things out. They’ll know the right questions to ask to make her think about who she is and how she wants to handle her identity.

But they can test for levels of testosterone/estrogen. If OP’s daughter has a higher than normal level of testosterone that could explain her uncertainty about her gender.

The amount of time she spends on the internet will more closely correlate with gender questioning than her testosterone levels.

[Anonymous]

Also recommend Alexis Light at the Virginia hospital center Alexandria office I LOVE dr Owen there. But saw dr light once and I believe that is her focus. She’s wonderful

[Anonymous]

I would go to planned parenthood. Fantastic and non-judgmental.

[Anonymous]

Planned parenthood may be non judgemental but it seems they don’t do much due diligence before starting people with gender identity issues on cross sex hormones.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s not really a blood test or hormone test to tell where your kid falls on the sexuality or gender spectrums. Also, they’re fluid so her feelings may change with time and experience. The gender clinic sounds like a good starting point. They should have a gyn to help, and also therapists who can help her figure things out. They’ll know the right questions to ask to make her think about who she is and how she wants to handle her identity.

But they can test for levels of testosterone/estrogen. If OP’s daughter has a higher than normal level of testosterone that could explain her uncertainty about her gender.

The amount of time she spends on the internet will more closely correlate with gender questioning than her testosterone levels.

This.

[Anonymous]

I can't speak to the hormone question but my teen (who identifies as gender queer) sees Dr. Hammoud at Fairfax Gynecology Group and we've been very happy with the experience. No judgment, thoughtful questions, and a total focus on the health of reproductive organs rather than framing things in terms of gender or sexuality. My child actually referred a good friend to see Dr. Hammoud based on their own experience which I think is a good sign (the mother called me to ask some questions, which is how I found out about the teen-to-teen referral).