Tips for slowing hair loss pre-HRT?

[Firecat]

As the title says, I'm curious as to whether or not using saw palmetto to slow down hair loss whilst I get myself situated and ready to begin HRT is a good idea?  I've noticed around the temples and hairline that I've begun to recede... at what rate, I do not know.  I do know that I feel fairly desperate to find some measure of control to at least slow that process down a bit.  I've heard saw palmetto has been used for combating hair loss, though there have been no extensive studies on said subject... so I dunno what do you guys think? Worth it, or would it be a huge mistake? Or if you all have any other suggestions for the time being?  It could be quite some time before I actually get to the point of HRT 

[Joelene9]

  Saw palmetto may reduce hair loss in some.  It was touted to reduce BPH swelling of the prostate.  It did neither to me after one year on that plus the other phyto-estrogens.  It is the herbal version of a anti-androgen.  There are other drugs on the market with a prescription to better reduce the hair loss.  These also carry some side effects. 
  Saw palmetto is a herbal product and is not regulated.  Also, the potentcy of the active ingredient responsible varies from season to season in the palmetto plant.  My HRT regimen actually cost a lot less than all of those herbals I took that year.  These are a collection of horse pills taken 3 times daily plus a massage twice daily to try to enlarge my breasts, with very limited success. 
  Details on my results of herbals vs. prescription HRT: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,110446.msg834877.html#msg834877

  Joelene

[Firecat]

So if I'm reading that right, the hormones should bring some of the hair back, but the herbals are non-effective?

[Joelene9]

  It varies from person to person.  Most hair loss is permanent.  HRT will not bring it back.  It is the more recent hair loss that may be reversable.  Check the male members on both sides of your family on what your type of baldness you may get.  My grandfather on my mother's side had my widow's peak, and my dad died with a full head of hair.  My loss was minor before HRT, just a widow's peak effect. 
  It is best to stop the hair loss early while you can.  Delaying your decision whether or not to transition has its own problems.  The earlier, the better.
  Joelene

[Firecat]

I have decided I want and need to transition, but convincing a therapist is another story in and of itself. I already spent about 5 months and $1,600 and wound right back where I began. My brother is going bald on the crown, as is most of my mom's side. My dad's side is just a receding hairline.

I'm starting with a new therapist soon, but it still may be many months yet before I get to where I can start hormones, so I'm really trying to find some short term solutions that may slow this down.

[Rita]

Have you tried over the counter stuff? Rogaine for example but anything that is a DHT blocker would do!