Silly Questions About Hair and HRT

[Kellam]

So, I just started HRT a few days ago. Within a couple days my scalp, especially the areas where T encouraged MPB, started getting itchy and sensitive to the touch. I realize this could all be in my mind or even more likely, related to something else. Is there a chance that it means the remaining follicles are reacting to the Spiro and Estradiol and some regrowth is initiating?

I also have an even sillier question or two. Does nose hair go away? And how long did it take before folks noticed a change in body hair? 

I realize that most of the physical changes are months and years in the future and I know to be patient. I didn't even know that hair re growth was a possibility until a month ago. Physical change is not why I started this process. I'm already feeling the psychological and social relief that was the driving force. But changes to my body would be nice!

[Mariah]

It could. The last areas you lost from you will have regrowth first. I wish I could say it does, but those pesky nose hairs don't go away. I pluck the ones I have away.
Mariah

So, I just started HRT a few days ago. Within a couple days my scalp, especially the areas where T encouraged MPB, started getting itchy and sensitive to the touch. I realize this could all be in my mind or even more likely, related to something else. Is there a chance that it means the remaining follicles are reacting to the Spiro and Estradiol and some regrowth is initiating?

I also have an even sillier question or two. Does nose hair go away? And how long did it take before folks noticed a change in body hair? 

I realize that most of the physical changes are months and years in the future and I know to be patient. I didn't even know that hair re growth was a possibility until a month ago. Physical change is not why I started this process. I'm already feeling the psychological and social relief that was the driving force. But changes to my body would be nice!

[DrummerGirl]

I had a ton of regrowth that started immediately and itchiness and tingly feelings can indicate increased blood flow to the follicles so what you are experiencing could very well be the beginning stages of regrowth.  In my case, my regrowth was not accompanied by any itchiness or tingliness, but I do know others who did notice those symptoms alongside their regrowth.

[Kellam]

That's so great to hear, about potential regrowth, thank you both! Still trying to not get too excited... As far as the nose hair thing I guess that's what I expected, it was more an idle thought than anything. I do sometimes enjoy yanking the little buggers out anyway. I even enjoy the little sneeze that is prompted at times. Anyway, y'all have made me a bit more hopeful, thanks!

[jeni]

It could. The last areas you lost from you will have regrowth first. I wish I could say it does, but those pesky nose hairs don't go away. I pluck the ones I have away.
Mariah

Careful plucking nose hairs, that area is prone to infections and that can be a pain. It's highly recommended to use a trimmer instead.

[Mariah]

Thanks Jeni. Your right it is, which is why I'm careful. I find if I don't remove them though that I'm prone to infection on the inside upper corner of my nose. For whatever reason that spot doesn't take well to hair.
Mariah

Careful plucking nose hairs, that area is prone to infections and that can be a pain. It's highly recommended to use a trimmer instead.

[Rachel]

Is there a chance that it means the remaining follicles are reacting to the Spiro and Estradiol and some regrowth is initiating?

I also have an even sillier question or two. Does nose hair go away? And how long did it take before folks noticed a change in body hair? 
]

Hi Kellam,

Nose hairs still grow

Body hair now on my torso is gone, my leg hair is sparse, light in color and very thin and grows very slow. My face hair grows slow and is thinner (if you are going to remove face hair you may want to start now, it takes forever with electrolysis). I noticed body hair to really decrease at 6 months, from memory.


Head hair, I hope the itching is from regrowth or increased circulation. You may want to inquire with your doctor about finasteride or dutasteride. Also, minoxidil 5% foam is a great help too (twice a day). I had a lot of hair loss and have regained 40% to 50% and now have villous hair on 100%, although not thick. I would estimate the villous hair count to be 100 hairs per square inch and my original hair was 250 hairs per square inch.  Oh, my hair is much softer now 🙂 . I will need transplants in the future.

[Ms Grace]

I think I've been plucking nose hairs for the last freaking 25 years... they lessen, they lighten but they don't seem to go away not even with HRT... at least they're manageable now, just a few to deal with once a week rather than a full compliment!

Also, hair regrowth can happen - just depends how dead the follicles were to begin with, and how many regrowth phases they have to go through before they turn from baby fluff back into adult hair.

[CB]

I found I lost some body hair initially and then plateau and then picked up again.
It comes and goes. I had a couple of laser sessions on my chest to help it along. Combined with HRT it was clear at six months and remains so. WOW never thought I'd see that! Now approaching 2 years it's rapidly kicked in again. Cancelled a laser session for my legs as its just not worth it.  Don't expect all to happen straight away.

[ImagineKate]

My nose hair is lasered, at least the ones near the nostril opening.

[Cindy]

My nose hair is lasered, at least the ones near the nostril opening.

Ouch!!!

[ImagineKate]

No kidding, Cindy! But it's worth it...

[bernadette]

Minoxidil is so far the only FDA approved medication for the hair regrowth. There was medical research to strongly suggest using a dermaroller once a week together with minoxidil more than triples the regrowth.
I have tried the combination and can say that it certainly works. Generic minoxidil and dermarollers are quite affordable. The roller I use has needles 1.5mm in length and cost under $10.

[Kellam]

Hmm, this is all great info. I have already asked my doctor about finasteride and she said she would discuss it with me in a month when I see her again to discuss doseages.

I wish the body hair would go away, or at least slow down, sooner but oh well. You can't rush time and things are what they are.

I'm willing to wait and see what the t blockers do for a few months before I start messing around with monoxodil.

I am not a candidate for laser, my facial and body hair is in the red to blonde range, and I don't think I could handle any serious pain in my nose.

[CB]

I wish the body hair would go away, or at least slow down, sooner but oh well. You can't rush time and things are what they are.

It will in time! As I said it took quite a while for it to happen on me but it is now pretty much gone.
Something to look forward to!

[ImagineKate]

At 4 months my body hair is there but it is thinner. I have been considering laser for it but I'm waiting to see what HRT would do.

[Kellam]

At 4 months my body hair is there but it is thinner. I have been considering laser for it but I'm waiting to see what HRT would do.

That's good to hear!

[Rachel]

I am really happy with my body hair, or lack of it. I have been on HRT for 22 months and I think at 15 moths I just felt completely a ease and at peace with my body hair.

Face hair, I wish I had started sooner. Last week I has 2 hours on ear hair and she had to stop and continue on my chin because my ears started to inflame. The pain last week was really bad. I just have some thin light hair remaining on my ears and I will have that done this month 🙂 .

Monoxodil is safe and over the counter. It helps to reduce the inflammation around the hair follicle.

What I noticed with head hair is last off first on. Also, when there is enough regrowth it seams an area starts to grow. The regrowth starts with fine hair then over time it gets thicker and darker and starts to grow.