Bridging hormones: what GPs should know about them
Bridging prescriptions fill the gap while trans people wait for specialist gender services, but many GPs refuse them without understanding the guidance.10 March 2026
Waiting for a first appointment at a gender clinic can take years. During that time, many trans people experience significant distress while their bodies continue to develop in ways that feel wrong to them. Bridging hormones are prescribed by GPs to ease this waiting period, yet many patients find their requests refused without clear justification.
The term 'bridging prescription' simply means hormone therapy started in primary care before specialist assessment. It is not experimental or unusual, and major clinical guidance recognises it as legitimate practice when the alternative is a years-long wait with no medical support.
Understanding what bridging hormones are, why they matter to trans people, and what the actual evidence and guidance says is essential for any GP working with trans patients. Read the full article to explore the clinical case, the ethical considerations, and what GPs can do when they feel uncertain about prescribing.