We recognise that gender identity is an individual and personal aspect of a person’s identity. Our team at Valewood Clinic respects your autonomy and choice to explore options to medically affirm yourself with your gender identity. We are proud to provide gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) to help people feel more comfortable and at
ease in their own bodies by aligning physical characteristics with their gender identity. Provided under the professional and non-judgemental care of Dr. Sri Srinivasan, Valewood Clinic is ready to support your individual needs and goals to nurture your true self.
Informed Consent Approach
Dr. Sri Srinivasan follows the informed consent approach to gender-affirming hormone therapy. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare (2020) define informed consent as:
A person’s decision, given voluntarily, to agree to a healthcare treatment, procedure or other intervention that is made:
- Following the provision of accurate and relevant information about the healthcare intervention and alternative options available; and
- With adequate knowledge and understanding of the benefits and material risks of the proposed intervention relevant to the person who would be having the treatment, procedure or other intervention.
This enables Dr. Sri to play a central role in facilitating access to hormones, conducting mental health, safety and risk assessments, and subsequent consultations.
What Does Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy Involve?
Gender affirming hormone therapy will typically involve a minimum of 3 – 4 long appointments (30 minutes) with the GP. Over this timeframe, your patient journey will include:
Appointment 1 & 2 – Comprehensive collection of your medical history, a mental health assessment, discussion of fertility options and organisation of baseline investigations including blood tests and other diagnostic screenings
Appointment 3 – Review of baseline investigation results including blood tests and diagnostic screenings, and referrals to other healthcare professionals including psychologists, psychiatrists and endocrinologists where appropriate.
Appointment 4 – Establishment of personal goals, patient education about hormones, risks, effects and potentially limitations, the provision of informed consent and prescriptions for hormone therapy and commencement
Subsequent appointments – Quarterly (or as needed) medical reviews and support to optimise health outcomes.
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Please note that Dr. Sri only sees patients aged 16 years and above. Patients aged 15 years and under will need to be referred to an appropriate specialist.
Why Choose Valewood Clinic For Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy
At Valewood Clinic, we are committed to providing inclusive, respectful, and evidence-based care in a safe and welcoming environment. We understand that every person’s journey is unique, and Dr. Sri Srinivasan endeavours to take the time to listen, understand your goals, and develop an individualised treatment plan that supports your wellbeing. People choose us because:
- Informed consent model
- Continuous support throughout every stage of your journey
- Clear communication and education
- Ongoing hormone therapy management and follow-up care
Book Your Appointment Today
Our team at Valewood Clinic respect and support your gender-affirming goals. For an appointment with Dr. Sri Srinivasan, please speak with one of our friendly reception staff members on (03) 9560 6655 or book online through the website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is a medically supervised treatment that uses hormones to help align a person’s physical characteristics with their gender identity. Treatment will differ in accordance with the individual’s goals, but it is tailored to support their overall health and gender affirmation journey.
Gender-affirming hormone therapy may be an option for transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse people who wish to align certain physical characteristics with their gender identity. The decision to start treatment is highly personal and should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who can discuss your goals, medical history, expectations, and any potential risks or benefits. If not found to be appropriate for your individual circumstances or needs, your GP may alternatively refer you to Dr. Hikaru Hashimura, our visiting endocrinologist, for consultation.
You do not need a referral to access hormone therapy. What you will need is several consultations with the doctor who can discuss your goals, medical history, expectations, and any potential risks or benefits before making an informed decision whether hormone therapy is right for you.
Your first appointment will typically include a comprehensive collection of your medical history and the organisation of baseline blood tests and screenings if applicable.
