More resources

Evidence published by UK parliament of the overwhelmingly negative impact on mental health of waiting to access hormone therapy, and the positive effects resulting from timely care.

General information for your GP on how to support trans patients, TransActual

Good Practice Guidelines for the Assessment and Treatment of Adults with Gender Dysphoria (2013), Royal College of Psychiatrists
Cites WPATH standards of care recommending interim bridging prescriptions for a few months (p. 21). No specific time limit is noted on p. 25 or p. 28.

Guidance for GPs, Other Clinicians and Health Professionals on the Care of Gender Variant People (2008) – NHS
Suggests a bridging prescription for an agreed period; up to three months to allow time for a basic health profile to be established, which can inform later prescription adjustments (pp. 14, 38).

Interim Gender Dysphoria Protocol and Service Guideline 2013/14, NHS England
Describes bridging prescriptions of up to three months, intended to support the individual until they can be brought into a monitored regime (e.g., via a Gender Identity Clinic) (p. 16).

Little Backpocket Guide to Bridging Prescriptions by The Love Tanks is a handy resource that can be shared with your GP.

Prescribing for Transgender and Non-Binary Children, Adolescents and Adult Patients (2016) – NHS Fylde and Wyre CCG
Echoes GMC advice, supporting bridging prescriptions primarily when there’s evidence or risk of self-medication (pp. 3–4).

Sparkle
Online resources covering healthcare access, hate crime, mental health, and housing support.

Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming People, Version 7 (2012), WPATH
Recommends a bridging prescription period of up to six months while assisting patients in accessing a provider for long-term hormone therapy (p. 49).

TransActual
Information and advocacy on healthcare access for trans people

Trans Healthcare, General Medical Council (GMC)
Advises that GPs issue bridging prescriptions only if the patient is self-medicating or is highly likely to self-medicate.

Tranz Wiki by GIRES
Directory of local and national trans support organisations