Receding hairline - any hope of recovery?

[Paeonia]

https://33.media.tumblr.com/0b07f52c80be11b18d3ff5d23b09cd3c/tumblr_n9p3evS6go1raevsgo2_1280.jpg

https://38.media.tumblr.com/31f50248a2f517012284885300597ed7/tumblr_n9p3evS6go1raevsgo1_1280.jpg

Alright, quick query for the folks that have been in similar situations, the above images are my current hairline. It is probably the biggest sticking point in the whole transition process - do I stand any real chance of it recovering in any fashion? What treatments would possibly help it? I understand FFS can adjust the hairline, but I have a feeling mine is too far gone for that already.

I'm getting worried at this point, as I would rather not spend a lifetime having to wear a wig.

[ssneha23]

Some of my hairline came back after starting the pills ... People who knew the before me are constantly amazed by the reversal in my balding.

[Brenda E]

I'm in the same boat.  My strategy is hitting it hard, using every tool at my disposal.

1.  Finasteride (from family doc - easy to get a hold of)
2.  Minoxidil (from CVS, generic 5%, slather it all over my balding scalp, not just the crown)
3.  This took longer to get, but spironolactone from endocrinologist, and estrogen a few weeks later.
4.  Iron tablet once a day, along with a multivitamin and 2500mcg of biotin.
4.  Hair transplant is on the way for the areas that haven't regrown using steps 1-3 (and it's less of an area than you might think once the drugs get to work; hairline stuff really.)

The key to any kind of reversal is getting rid of the DHT.  You can pussyfoot around the issue and try herbal remedies or head massages or laser combs or chili peppers, but really you should go big or go home when it comes to hair issues.

Side effects?  The usual "problems" for men are generally benefits for us transgirls.  Boobs, loss of libido, testicular and prostate shrinkage, etc.  There's some crazies out there who think there's a big conspiracy to hide the side effects of finasteride, so be careful what info you're getting and from whom.

But there's plenty of us here who can attest to the fact that once you start to lower your testosterone and increase your estrogen (and block DHT), hair really does come back.  It's not fast, and it's not necessarily hugely impressive, but it's significant long-term regrowth.

[Ms Grace]

Judging by your pics I would suggest getting on testosterone blockers ASAP if you aren't already. It looks fairly advanced, how long has it been like that? The longer the less likely you'll have stunning results. I'm a wig wearer, couldn't pass without it, I've had some regrowth using minoxidil but it's still fuzz and hardly encouraging after about nine months. The trick with a wig is to get one that suits your skin colour, the shape of your face and has realistic hair. Mine is synthetic but utterly believable, I get so many compliments from women who don't even realise. But all the best, I can't comment on Finasteride but certainly minoxidil and HRT will help stop loss and hopefully see some regrowth.

[TheQuestion]

That does look pretty advanced, but there's always hope. 

I used fin a couple years back but stopped using it.  I didn't notice anything after about a year, but I really should have given it a few more months.  I think my hair loss may have slowed during that time though.  Most people at least maintain what they have for a few years with it.

Then I tried minoxidil and had drastic results, even on my hairline where it technically isn't supposed to work.  It does work on the hairline; I can tell you that.  The problem with minoxidil is that it has the ability to deplete your skin of collagen.  My face got super gaunt and felt saggy after about 6 months.  It was noticeable and enough for me to skip the full head of hair in favor of my skin.  I was overdosing though. It does work, but it basically only makes the hair which is still growing thicker.  I basically had a full head of hair, just some thinning.  In areas where there is no hair, not even fine hair, then it probably won't do much.

Strange thing is that now after seeing the first signs of hair loss near four years ago, stressing about it, and trying these things to prevent it; I've pretty much regrown my hair by just using nizoral shampoo.  I'd recommend it.  I'm thinking that I have a good chance of seeing more thickening after I start hrt and feel I should have no problem with short-medium length cuts after.  I do want a hair transplant to lower and round off my hairline though.

Good luck!!!  I'm hoping you find something that works.  If you can't, then there's always wigs.  One thing to note is that recently there have been a ton of advances in hair restoration, actual science type stuff that is.  I wouldn't be at all surprised if in the next ten years hair cloning or hair multiplication makes baldness a choice.

[TheQuestion]

I should again specify that I basically have a full head of hair.  Nizoral shampoo seems to work very well if you are in the early stages of MPB, but it couldn't hurt either way.  It lowers DHT in the scalp to an extent.  I also use coconut oil, which, although not directly related to MPB does make your hair and scalp healthier for the use.

[Paeonia]

Thank you all for the comments (and messages).
It sounds like I will definitely need a wig. I won't get my hopes up too much, the hairline has always been pretty high. Still, I will adopt a couple of the ideas from the thread in the hopes they make a difference.

I'm already on Spiro, so the testosterone should no longer be a problem. Can't say I've noticed any regrowth, it made me lose a lot of hair when I first started!

[MbutF]

Receding hairline just sucks, it has really turned me into a recluse, I hate it.

I started with minoxdil 10%, but.... I didn't see any improvement but then my dermatologist suggested I go for tricomin hair spray, and it is definitely working in my case.... My mom and my friends have noticed that my hairline is lower now. I've noticed it as well.....

I took iron supplements for a while too, and biotin tablets as well.... so I'm not sure what it is that did the trick, but I noticed the improvements only after I started using tricomin hair spray.

[Illuminess]

My receding hairline is unfortunately pretty noticeable, too, and since I'll be getting my HRT soon I'll be able to keep it from getting worse. What doesn't grow back, though, I really hope I'll at least be able to hide it. Right now I wear a beanie every day, even in the heat, while I grow it out.

I think it'll grow back in a little if there's any vellus hair still lingering, otherwise you'll have to find a style that hides it, get transplants, or wear a wig. Personally, I don't like the idea of wearing a wig. That's kind of deceptive even though it might look good. I'd maybe wear one for fun, but not exclusively.

My concern is if HRT will make any other head hair grow in to make it a bit fuller, because mine is a bit thin. I have no top balding, though. My dad's hair is perfect, but doesn't hairline get inherited from your mom's side?

[Pinkkatie]

My male pattern baldness is my biggest concern. I have a receding hair line and a bald patch in the back of my head. I'm able to hide the receding hair line if I part down the middle and comb over it, but there is little to nothing I can do with the bald patch in the back. I'm thinking that the Finasteride is working, but it is hard for me to tell.

[lostnostalgist]

yeah there is hope! don't get your hopes up TOO much, everyone is different. but i think this girls hairline was just a little better to be begin with than yours in the pictures you posted @OP

[Spicy]

Research hair transplant pics. A free consult can help you figure out what is attainable. Sometimes more than one surgery is necessary. Cost is $5,000-$15,000.