Gender Service, Sandyford: Information on Bridging Prescriptions (last updated 10/02/23)

We encourage patients to wait until they have been assessed by a gender specialist before starting treatment because gender affirming hormone therapy has irreversible effects such as deepening of the voice and balding (testosterone) and breast enlargement (estradiol).

In certain circumstances a GP can opt to provide bridging prescriptions.

Guidance on when it is appropriate to prescribe is available from the General Medical Council  https://www.gmc-uk.org/ethical-guidance/ethical-hub/trans-healthcare#mental-health-and-bridging-prescriptions. The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland  also provides advice https://www.mddus.com/advice-and-support/advice-library/the-care-of-transgender-patients-by-gps

Guidance on what to prescribe and how to monitor treatment is available in the endocrine guidelines of the National Gender Identity Clinical Network for Scotland https://www.ngicns.scot.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Endocrine-and-fertility-preservation-guidance-2022.pdf.

The Gender Service section of the Sandyford website contains information about waiting times and resources for professionals, patients and families. https://www.sandyford.scot/sexual-health-services/gender-identity-service/