How to Prepare for a Hormone or Surgical Readiness Assessment: 5 Tips for Success!

If you're preparing for a hormone readiness assessment or gender-affirming surgical readiness assessment, you may be wondering what to expect. Whether you're seeking HRT (hormone replacement therapy), top surgery, or a gonadectomy procedure, taking some time to prepare can help you feel more confident going into your appointment.

Here are five ways to prepare for your readiness assessment.

1. Think About Your Goals

You don't need to have everything figured out, but it's helpful to think about why you're seeking hormone therapy or surgery.

Consider questions such as:

• What changes am I hoping for?

• How do I expect hormones or surgery to improve my quality of life?

• What aspects of my body or gender expression cause me dysphoria?

Your assessment is a conversation—not a test. It's okay if your goals continue to evolve over time.

2. Build a Strong Support Network

Having supportive people in your life can make a big difference, especially if you're planning surgery.

Think about who can support you before and after treatment. This might be a partner, family member, friend, roommate, or chosen family. If you're having surgery, consider who can help with transportation, meals, and daily tasks during your recovery.

3. Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health

You don't need perfect mental or physical health to access gender-affirming care. However, it's important that any concerns are reasonably well managed and that you have appropriate supports in place.

Continuing to work with your family doctor, therapist, psychiatrist, or other healthcare providers can help you feel prepared for the next step.

4. Have a Recovery Plan

If you're pursuing gender-affirming surgery, planning ahead is important.

Think about:

• Time away from work or school

• Transportation to and from surgery

• Your recovery space

• Who will help during the first few days after surgery

Having a plan in place allows you to focus on healing.

5. Remember That Your Assessment Is Collaborative

A readiness assessment isn't about proving your gender identity or saying the "right" thing.

The purpose of the assessment is to ensure you understand the treatment you're seeking, explore your goals, discuss any questions you have, and make sure you have the supports needed to move forward safely and confidently.

Looking for a Hormone or Surgical Readiness Assessment in BC?

I provide virtual hormone and surgical readiness assessments (for top surgery and gonadectomies) for trans, transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse adults across British Columbia and Ontario. If you're considering HRT, top surgery, or a gonadectomy procedure and would like to learn more about the assessment process, I'd be happy to help: https://thcounselling.janeapp.com/.