Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Stephanie_b on May 18, 2012, 09:47:56 AM Return to Full Version

Title: Does Androcur cause scalp hair loss?
Post by: Stephanie_b on May 18, 2012, 09:47:56 AM
I was wondering if Androcur causes scalp hair loss, and if so is it permanent or temporary?

I was wondering if there's anything that could be taken with Androcur to prevent scalp hair loss?
Title: Re: Does Androcur cause scalp hair loss?
Post by: Plain Jane on May 18, 2012, 10:52:34 AM
While I was taking Androcur I did experience periods of increased "shedding", but I think it was more attributable to the hormonal upheaval that my body was going through than Androcur specifically. It never got anywhere near the point that anyone would notice.

Either way, after my SRS when I went off the Androcur and my estrogen levels were reduced and things settled down biochemically, everything was fine. There was no permanent hair loss.


Title: Re: Does Androcur cause scalp hair loss?
Post by: Padma on May 18, 2012, 01:13:12 PM
As a DHT blocker and LH suppressant, Androcur (Cyproterone) prevents hair loss due to male pattern baldness (which is caused by DHT).

But many MTFs experience some shedding, especially early on in taking hormones, followed by new, finer hair growing through.
Title: Re: Does Androcur cause scalp hair loss?
Post by: Stephanie_b on May 18, 2012, 05:11:27 PM
Plain Jane:  Thanks for your response, I was just wondering because at this time I have very thick hair and don't want to lose it!   :)
Im glad to hear that it worked well for you.

Padma:  Thanks for the info.  I definately feel relieved now because the info from the pharmacy said that it can cause patches of body hair to fall off... that sounded great to me.  But, when I thought of scalp hair loss....well, that wouldn't be a good thing. 

I guess its time to start taking my prescribed Androcur now, and then transdermal e patches starting this Tuesday.   ^-^

Title: Re: Does Androcur cause scalp hair loss?
Post by: Padma on May 18, 2012, 05:32:36 PM
The combo of estrogen and androcur will indeed make body hair get finer and fall out over time, but that's a different mechanism to what causes male pattern baldness. So it will make your body less hairy, and at the same time prevent your head hair from falling out.
Title: Re: Does Androcur cause scalp hair loss?
Post by: Stephanie_b on May 18, 2012, 05:44:50 PM
Quote from: Padma on May 18, 2012, 05:32:36 PM
The combo of estrogen and androcur will indeed make body hair get finer and fall out over time, but that's a different mechanism to what causes male pattern baldness. So it will make your body less hairy, and at the same time prevent your head hair from falling out.

Perfect!  I likes the sounds of that!!   :)  :)
Title: Re: Does Androcur cause scalp hair loss?
Post by: Alainaluvsu on May 18, 2012, 11:22:00 PM
95%+ of male pattern baldness is a result of too high DHT. Suppressing testosterone to female range is the best way to stop the progression of MPB. This is backed up with results from blockers showing that 95% of men experience slowed rate of loss, full stoppage, or even regrowth after 12 months of DHT blockers. Furthermore, there are citings showing that eunichs / those post orchiectomy pretty much all have NO further scalp hair loss (I think I've also read somewhere that almost ALL DHT conversion happens in the testis).

And yes, a very common occurance with DHT blockers is initial shedding (5-10% of total scalp hair) followed by positive results.

I did not have a problem with MPB. The only thing I had lost was the very common frontal temporal corners in a mild - moderate way. I did notice an initial shedding (especially at the crown, which did NOT leave a thin spot at all), but regrowth on the crown and even slight regrowth at the corners occured. In fact, my classmates are astonished by how densely populated my scalp is, so I have gained quite a bit of hair.
Title: Re: Does Androcur cause scalp hair loss?
Post by: kristin_soon on May 30, 2012, 09:34:18 PM
Would using rogain prior to taking blockers or something help too?
Title: Re: Does Androcur cause scalp hair loss?
Post by: Ellieka on May 30, 2012, 09:40:51 PM
I took it for about a year and the only thing I experienced as far as hair goes was lighter hair growth on my arms and chest. No change at all on my head. I had to switch back to Spiro though because I started to have liver issues from it.

If I could still take it I totally would. It does wonders fro getting "junior" to lay down and shut up. :D

Be careful ;)