What worked for you?

[JillEclipse]

I started with finasteride for hair loss, which I got changed to dutasteride last autumn (after convincing my physician that going to the bathroom is easier nowadays, too). From the point of view of my mental well-being the main benefit is that I've grown a small but still noticeable pair of breasts, and while I've lost weight overall my bum is a little bigger than it used to be. The point here is that both of these prevent testosterone from becoming dihydrotestosterone (which is an even more potent androgen), and some of it will turn into oestrogen instead.

A year or so ago I added soy to my daily regimen, in the form of pills marketed for menopausal women. At that time it seemed that they made me feel more energetic and also perhaps increased my libido a bit. I'm not sure about that, though, so a week ago I decided to drop those for a while to see what happens -- if it turns out that taking phyto-oestrogens really makes a difference, perhaps it's time to start thinking about the real thing. As of now, either I'm getting a cold or this experiment is indeed making me a little more tired than usual. Also, my little boobies are hurting, which is a bit surprising as it feels just about the same as a growth spurt.

Anyway, the soy derivatives don't really sound like something an innocent man would use. Medication used for prostate problems and male-pattern hair loss, on the other hand, is about as manly as it gets, there's even a warning to keep the pills out of contact with any women who are or may become pregnant. Of course, it's an entirely different matter whether you can convince both yourself and your doctor that it would be useful to you.

Hmm, very sneaky and clever. I like you already.

So it sounds like this may even retard facial hair growth on the face, while increasing hair growth on the head? Correct me if I'm wrong?

YOU ARE MY HERO

[tekla]

Clever and sneaky rarely work because a) there is always someone there much smarter then you are (and being all sneaky and such you're not noticing them, but they sure are watching you), and b) even slow people catch on eventually.

[JillEclipse]

Clever and sneaky rarely work because a) there is always someone there much smarter then you are (and being all sneaky and such you're not noticing them, but they sure are watching you), and b) even slow people catch on eventually.

quoted for quotation purposes.

yes there is probably someone out there much smarter than me. but i wasn't talking about me.

being sneaky means noticing your surroundings. noticing the security cameras, ceiling mounted turrets and EVEN the mastermind who has been stalking you in the shadows the whole time.

being clever means thinking outside of said box and generally in a short amount of time. i consider myself to be somewhat clever although I am more of a slow and laid back learner.

[Seshatneferw]

Hmm, very sneaky and clever. I like you already.

I'm not really doing it to be sneaky, it's more a matter of seeing if I can deal with this without having to get a diagnosis for a 'mental disorder', or seek treatments my wife cannot accept. So far I'm pretty optimistic about the latter, the former is a bit more in doubt. Also, it seems prudent to know as much as I can about what I am before trying to convince a psychiatrist that that's what I am, if it turns out I do need to go that route.

So it sounds like this may even retard facial hair growth on the face, while increasing hair growth on the head? Correct me if I'm wrong?

It is supposed to increase hair growth on the head, or to be more precise, delay (and to some extent roll back) male-pattern hair loss. It won't make hair grow any faster, but depending on various things it is likely to make the hair at balding spots thicker. It won't make a difference on the face, though.

  Nfr

[Pippa]

Pre hormones, nothing but exercise, diet and a good razor.   The only problem being that when I get depressed or stressed I tend to over eat.    I think I have just about got my weight back in check and I know that I still have about a stone to lose.   Difficult considering all the stress I have been under at work recently.

There are so many dodgy feminising products out there, I can see how some desperate girls are likely to be drawn in.

I also have dark hair and fair skin.   Laser has been a great success so far.   After six sessions, there is hardly a hair left.   

[ivy]

I hope his isn't offensive to anyone - I just have to laugh. As far as I know I am a genetic girl and I have had facial hair since I was 10. (I entered puberty earlier than all of my peers) I am not talking about a cute little line of  hair over my top lip or a few stray hairs on my chin, like my mom and my sister. No, if I went a week without shaving I would have a full beard! It's actually alot fuller on the right than the left, but still.
When I was 12 I tried Nair. I guess it was for my legs and not my face as it was too strong and took skin off. It was a terrible experience. I also tried my dad's electric razor. OUCH! Nope, that hurt alomost as bad. I found a triple edge vibrating razor and women's shave cream for sensitive skin and I am sticking with that. My fem sister plucks, waxes and bleaches.  I just don't have the time or the patience! I doesn't bother me to shave. The alternatives do and probably just because of my previous bad experiences. Only a couple of peeps in my life were a little freaked out about it.  Now, if I could just find the right cover up make-up no one would even notice. As for electro, my aunt had it done and it left her with enlarged pores that resemble pock marks on her chin. But, she is very fair and  has thin skin. So I guess it's not the common result. I needed to let you gals know there ARE women in the world who shave their faces! You are so not alone on that one. But. if anyone has any suggestions on a good foundation make-up that isn't too expensive, please let me know.
thanx,
Ivy

[Nigella]

if anyone has any suggestions on a good foundation make-up that isn't too expensive, please let me know.
thanx,
Ivy

Ivy, A product called dema blend is very good and I used it while I still had a beard before laser. Also there is a product called vaniqua cream for woman which reduces the strength and growth of the facial hair. I used that as well and it begins to work after about 3 months use.

I did see a documentary a few years ago about genetic woman with facial hair and some decided to stop shaving (brave I know) and they had beards. Still that being said I wouldn't want it.

Stardust

[ivy]

Thanx Stardust,
I just googled derma blend and it looks like exactly what I'm looking for. I should probably hit the mall and see if there is someone who who can help me with the basics of application and finding the right shade. So sad, I studied cosmetology in high school and don't remember a thing. I guess I was paying attention to other stuff.

I think I saw the same documentary.  I agree, I could never!

[rejennyrated]

Ivy - Derma blend has been around for many years. They may have improved it, but everyone I saw who used it looked rather obvious because it is just Sooooo thick that it looks as if it has been put on with a trowel, while the colour is really too strong. It also goes bright orange under certain types of artificial light.

It's decadess since I had to use any makeup to coverup, but from memory I think Clinique still do a good thick foundation cream which covers reasonably well. My facial hair was never that thick probably because of the intersex condition, but it was noticable until I got it properly zapped, and the clinique covered it well.

[ivy]

Hi jenny,
Thanks. I've heard clinique is very good for sensitive skin. I'm a little afraid of the laser. Is it painful?

[rejennyrated]

Hi jenny,
Thanks. I've heard clinique is very good for sensitive skin. I'm a little afraid of the laser. Is it painful?

Not really - but if your hair is fair then it won't really work. It works well for dark hair. For fair hair you would need electolysis. Done properly it really needn't damage the pores. It sounds like your aunt had it done by someone who wasn't that skilled. I have very sensitive skin, and I've didn't have too much damage, if any at all.

[Naturally Blonde]

Very little!

[Christy Edwards]

I also started with Black Cohosh.  Nver did anything though.. But I am gonna look that spearmint tea...

[Naturally Blonde]

I'm still looking for something that might work! surgery might be the only option?

[JillEclipse]

I hope his isn't offensive to anyone - I just have to laugh. As far as I know I am a genetic girl and I have had facial hair since I was 10. (I entered puberty earlier than all of my peers) I am not talking about a cute little line of  hair over my top lip or a few stray hairs on my chin, like my mom and my sister. No, if I went a week without shaving I would have a full beard! It's actually alot fuller on the right than the left, but still.
When I was 12 I tried Nair. I guess it was for my legs and not my face as it was too strong and took skin off. It was a terrible experience. I also tried my dad's electric razor. OUCH! Nope, that hurt alomost as bad. I found a triple edge vibrating razor and women's shave cream for sensitive skin and I am sticking with that. My fem sister plucks, waxes and bleaches.  I just don't have the time or the patience! I doesn't bother me to shave. The alternatives do and probably just because of my previous bad experiences. Only a couple of peeps in my life were a little freaked out about it.  Now, if I could just find the right cover up make-up no one would even notice. As for electro, my aunt had it done and it left her with enlarged pores that resemble pock marks on her chin. But, she is very fair and  has thin skin. So I guess it's not the common result. I needed to let you gals know there ARE women in the world who shave their faces! You are so not alone on that one. But. if anyone has any suggestions on a good foundation make-up that isn't too expensive, please let me know.
thanx,
Ivy

okay there is a coverup stick and it works wonders it is only 1 dollar and I have very thick grayish blue on my upper lip. most guys my age who shave don't have anything. but it works on me it makes the grayish blue almost unnoticable (if i apply it correctly) and im a guy and your a girl so it will probably work even better on you.