How old do you have to be to start HRT in Tennessee?

The age at which a person can start hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in Tennessee depends on several factors.

To start HRT in Tennessee, you typically need to be at least 18 years old. However, there are some exceptions where minors under 18 can start HRT with parental consent and approval from healthcare providers.

The key requirements for starting HRT in Tennessee include:

• Being at least 18 years old.


• Having a diagnosis of gender dysphoria from a mental health professional.


• Getting parental consent if under 18 years old.


• Finding a licensed healthcare provider willing to prescribe HRT.

---

When Can You Start HRT Under 18 in Tennessee?

While 18 is the typical legal age to consent to medical treatment, some teenagers under 18 may be able to start HRT in Tennessee if:

• A mental health professional diagnoses them with gender dysphoria.


• The licensed prescriber agrees that HRT is necessary.


• They obtain written informed consent from their legal guardian.

So for teenagers under 18, starting HRT involves some extra steps but is possible in some cases. The prescriber will assess the situation to determine if HRT is appropriate based on the individual’s age, maturity and specific goals.

Finding a Prescriber for HRT

Finding a licensed healthcare provider who prescribes HRT is key to taking this step. Options to get a prescription may include:

• A doctor such as an endocrinologist, gynecologist, primary care doctor or urologist


• A nurse practitioner or physician assistant


• Clinics that specialize in LGBTQ healthcare

Butterfly Hormone Center in Nashville offers customized HRT programs for both youth and adults. Their caring doctors and nurses work closely with each patient to create a personalized plan that safely meets their transition goals.

The HRT Approval Process for Teens

For teenagers under 18 to begin HRT in Tennessee, here is a typical approval process:

• The teen works with a therapist who provides an assessment and gender dysphoria diagnosis.


• The therapist writes a letter of recommendation for the teen to start HRT.


• A doctor or nurse practitioner agrees HRT is appropriate.


• The parents/guardians consent to the treatment.


• The healthcare provider prescribes a safe hormone regimen tailored for a youth.

Close medical supervision, counseling and social support continue during treatment. The doctor adjusts the dosage and medications as needed to keep levels in a healthy, normal range for the teen's age and stage of pubertal development.

Is Parental Consent Needed for HRT?

Whether or not a minor needs parental consent depends on their age:

• Under 14 - Cannot get hormones without consent from parents/guardians. This applies even with a gender dysphoria diagnosis.


• 14-18 - May be able to start HRT without parental consent but will need:
  
  
  • An emancipation order from court declaring their independence from parents
  
  
  • Or proof that obtaining parental consent would threaten their health and safety
  
  


• Over 18 - Can provide legal consent without parents to start HRT

Emancipated minors and those nearly 18 years old have some options to pursue HRT without parental involvement by working closely with knowledgeable healthcare teams.

Key Takeaways

• People need to be at least 18 years old to start HRT in Tennessee in most cases.


• With parental, therapist and prescriber approval, some teenagers can start hormones under 18.


• Finding experienced Tennessee prescribers like those at Butterfly Hormone Center is vital for safe, ethical care.


• Parental consent may not be required for youth 14-18 with special circumstances.

HRT provides huge quality of life benefits for transgender people of all ages seeking to live authentically. By understanding Tennessee's HRT age and consent policies, transgender youth and their loved ones can make empowered medical decisions.