Here's a picture from pre transition-HRT, and another from this AM showing about one inch of hairline regrowing with very light thin hair. I've been on HRT for 18 months, and Finasteride for 7 months. Some of it has darkened a bit, but it still looks bad. Any hope? I've already planned on future transplants, but hope to get the best results possible before then.
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I would see how far you get in another 6-8 months and then get the hair transplants. It usually takes about a year or so to see maximum regrowth, also use minoxidil, it also really helps. From what I've read regrowth has everything to do with how recent your hairloss was. For me being a couple years I managed to regrow everything and I am still growing new hair.
Maybe you could switch to Dutasterid. Often you can see more regrowth and also side effects like smooth clean skin because all forms of DHT are blocked instead of Finasterid which blocks only one form of DHT.
In my personal experience Dut is far better. I hoped to get the side effect of growing boobs but without success. But I now started with Estrogen.
Lara
Quote from: Riley Skye on December 28, 2013, 01:21:10 PM
I would see how far you get in another 6-8 months and then get the hair transplants. It usually takes about a year or so to see maximum regrowth, also use minoxidil, it also really helps. From what I've read regrowth has everything to do with how recent your hairloss was. For me being a couple years I managed to regrow everything and I am still growing new hair.
How long have you been using finasteride and minoxidil? I've been slowly balding for 25 years, and my hairline is back to where it was about 15 years ago.
Quote from: Lara1969 on December 28, 2013, 01:48:08 PM
Maybe you could switch to Dutasterid. Often you can see more regrowth and also side effects like smooth clean skin because all forms of DHT are blocked instead of Finasterid which blocks only one form of DHT.
In my personal experience Dut is far better. I hoped to get the side effect of growing boobs but without success. But I now started with Estrogen.
Lara
I'm not sure what my doctor would prescribe, but she had no problem with giving me finasteride. I'll ask her about Dutasterid.
Hi Kathy,
Have you had a hair transplant consult yet? It may help with managing expectations a bit. I am not saying you have major issues as I am certainly not qualified in that regard. Just get an assessment (or 2 or 3) from the best practitioners, wherever they happen to be. In some regards, hair replacement is like SRS and FFS - people travel from anywhere to get the treatment they want and need.
A couple of weeks ago I sent pics off to Hasson & Wong specifically asking about the chance of getting a female hairline. They said they could get a satisfactory male hairline but there was just too much to do for female. I have been balding for about as long as you and am a Norwood 7. I went to H&W because they do fantastic work on large hair loss clients and given my amount of hair loss, there isn't an unlimited supply of donor material. What I have got is good quality. Donor quantity is another factor you will need to consider. So my expectations have now been managed down a bit. :(
Regarding meds, I am on Fin and have been for about 2 years. My hair regrowth equates to winding back the hair loss clock by 5 to 8 years or so, maybe more. What I have to remind myself of is that 8 years ago, visible hair loss was obvious but the thinning process had also taken over so the hair loss process was well advanced then. I tried minoxidil but my scalp reacted very badly. I was advised to persevere but it just got worse so I have stopped trying that. I expect to be on Fin forever if I want to keep what I have regrown. I too will ask about Dut as my new goal now is to at least have some hair when not wearing a wig.
Minoxidil caused some skin irritation until I used Panthenol creme on the skin and I switched to Minoxidil foam.
Lara
Quote from: EmmaD on December 28, 2013, 02:51:55 PM
...Have you had a hair transplant consult yet? ...
... A couple of weeks ago I sent pics off to Hasson & Wong
I still have to do a couple consults. But one of the women in my therapy group had fantastic results with surgery, and may do a little transplant work. But she was at a level 2a or so. I was around 5v, and if they can bring back a female hairline I'd love it. But I'll settle for my old 25 or 30 year old male hairline.
Quote from: Lara1969 on December 29, 2013, 02:26:21 AM
Minoxidil caused some skin irritation until I used Panthenol creme on the skin and I switched to Minoxidil foam.
Lara
Thanks Lara. I'm checking every option now, and I want comfort too-boot. :D
I have ordered Finasteride (don't remember mg), Spiro 100 mg, and my Estradiol 2mg. I know Dutasteride is better than Finn. but my supplier was out at the time. My question is, since I'll be taking Spiro, do I still need the Finasteride and/or Dutasteride? I still have my original hairline as my hair loss is a femminine type. I was checked out and told this by a dermatologist.
I plan to order the Dutasteride when I can if in fact I will still need it. I of course will ask my doctor about this too but he is admittidly unfamiliar with Transgender MTF treatment, but doing research on it so he can actually help me. Looks like my new Dr's gonna work out!
Yup that's right everyone, I'll be on my way very soon. This is the happiest I've been in years! ;)
Quote from: Allyda on December 29, 2013, 01:07:08 PM
... I still have my original hairline as my hair loss is a femminine type. ...
Yup that's right everyone, I'll be on my way very soon. This is the happiest I've been in years! ;)
Don't add anything more to regrow hair. The spiro and E along with Finasteride may fix things in your case. And since Dutasteride can have some negative effects on the prostate it's not worth adding it when it may not be necessary.
K
I've been on finasteride for a year this Friday and I was on minoxidil from last December to about may. Right now my hairline has recovered since I graduated high school 4.5 years ago and it is a lot thicker. Since mine was very recent, 3-4 from when I started I had excellent growth as the follicles were still there and dormant. Having lost your hair so many years ago you most likely will not grow it back like I did, they're normal head hairs for me. Considering your situation definitely get a consultation for a possible hair transplant but to warn you it will be very expensive to get the transplants.
Quote from: Riley Skye on December 29, 2013, 07:12:17 PM
... definitely get a consultation for a possible hair transplant but to warn you it will be very expensive to get the transplants.
A girl I know read that she could buy a nice sports car for less.
Here in Europe I paid 4,60Euro per graft at one of the leading experts. It was more expensive because I did not wanted that he cuts my hair besides just the small donor hair area. It seems to me he did a great work but I paid 12000Euro for 2200 grafts.
Together with taking Minixidil and Dutasterid my hairline looks now muuuuuuch better. During FFS in March my hairline will be moved approx. 1cm to the front abd I will never wear a wig again. Yes!
Lara
My only AA is Durasteride as in most cases the testosterone level drops after starting with estrogen. I will add Progesterone to my regime. P interups the DHT synthesis very efficient. Maybe I will stop taking Dut than. P cream used o the scalp is a very effcient way to stimulate hair regrowth.
Lara
Quote from: Lara1969 on December 30, 2013, 03:02:27 AM
...Maybe I will stop taking Dut than. P cream used o the scalp is a very effcient way to stimulate hair regrowth.
I was on Medroxyprogesterone pills and they caused a little hair loss because pills required first pass breakdown in the liver. That breakdown changed enzymes that effected esterogen and can increase testosterone levels. I guess the creams are natural micronized progesterone and since they're absorbed through the skin they have far less effect on the liver, and so few enzyme changes. I can't get creams or any other form of progesterone through my health plan, so I'm following other options.
In my personal opinion bio-identical Progesterone is necessary to lower the DHT. These progestins can have adverse effects and I would avoid them like hell. As far as I remember the study was made while taking oral micronized Progesterone which should be a very safe way to take Progesterone because it is not processed like Estrogen in the liver. I never read about liver damage ore any liver danger from oral taken bio-identical Progesterons. The Progestins may be different because they are just chemicals with one interaction at one sort of rezeptors in the body which is similar to Progesteron. It is known that other rezeptors are interacting much different to Progestins. I think they are just pkain cheaper or the pharma industry is earning more money with these chemicals because Progesteron is free of any patents.
Topical Progesterone should work like oral taken and there is much evidence that it works great on the scalp. Progesterone cream is cheap here but I need a prescription.
Lara
Quote from: kathyk on December 29, 2013, 10:43:16 PM
A girl I know read that she could buy a nice sports car for less.
I had 2700 hair follicle grafts this last Monday to create a feminine hairline. My starting point was a hairline very similar to Tom Hanks. The cost for the grafts was $9,200 USD. I saw one of the two board certified hair surgeons in Michigan. He has experience working with Mtf patients.
Oh, I have been on finasteride for 10 months, and E for almost 4 months.
I take finasteride for 6 months and I see a difference. I do not know yet make me a haircut worthy of the name but my hairdresser told me that in 2 or 3 months, it will be something nice. I think I'll definitely need a transplant and I saved for it. Now, I said that it's worth to wait a little longer.
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Quote from: Antonia J on December 30, 2013, 05:41:17 PM
II saw one of the two board certified hair surgeons in Michigan. He has experience working with Mtf patients.
Where did you have the surgery, and who was the doctor? I'm in
Quote from: {Alice} on December 31, 2013, 06:33:51 AM
I think I'll definitely need a transplant and I saved for it. Now, I said that it's worth to wait a little longer.\
You look great with only 5 months HRT. After you've grown out your hair a bit more you may not need to do nearly as much as you think you need now.
You look great after 5 months oft HRT! Amazing. Did you tried out hair extensions? I discussing this with my hairdresser.
Lara
For those with serious hair loss, you might want to consider Matristem ACell + PRP treatment.
ACell is, to put it very simply, a stem cell activator. Originally designed to minimize (and in some cases) prevent surgical scarring, hair restoration surgeons discovered that sites where they removed hair, when treated with ACell, not only had minimal scarring but often had new hair growth.
This has expanded now to a full set of treatments without hair transplants in many cases, that restores hair to much denser quantities than existed previously.
In my own case, I am a type 6 hair loss candidate (yes, horribly horribly bad!) and am hoping that I can generate enough new hair on top to then make transplants worthwhile, which right now they are not.
In Google (or Bing or your favorite search engine) search for Matristem ACell hair restoration to find more articles about the technique.
Quote from: kathyk on December 28, 2013, 02:30:20 PM
How long have you been using finasteride and minoxidil? I've been slowly balding for 25 years, and my hairline is back to where it was about 15 years ago.
I'm not sure what my doctor would prescribe, but she had no problem with giving me finasteride. I'll ask her about Dutasterid.
I recently started on finasteride at the Proscar dosage rather than the Propecia dosage. The use of dutasteria (Avodart) for hair regrowth is off label.
Both finasteride and dutasteride were developed to treat BPH, and work by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT.
There are much better pure anti-androgens, but these two meds can serve multiple purposes for the older MAABs like you and me.
You can probably tell by my avatar photo that I still have a pretty full head of hair. However, at 59 I'm noticing that I'm losing some hair and some of it is from just plain bad habits, but some is going up my scalp for the first time and it scares the hair out of me. I bought Men's Rogaine last week, I'm on Progynon Depot and Spironolactone. I'm not losing much hair on my brush, on my pillow, and after combing my hair out completely before I shower I have a fine strainer thingie that catches all my hair and virtually nothing is caught. But it's not as thick as it looks, and to me it looks thin. Will the Rogaine help on my recently departed scalp hair? Thanks in advance, Mira
Edited for dosages
Quote from: Jamie D on December 31, 2013, 05:50:11 PM
I recently started on finasteride at the Proscar dosage rather than the Propecia dosage. The use of dutasteria (Avodart) for hair regrowth is off label.
Indeed it is off label use like Estrogen, AA, Progesterone :-)
It works for me and I do have to take an AA which can have serious side effects.
And some are taking an AA and have still high amount oft DHT.
Lara
I think I'll go ahead and get the Dutasteride, but I'll hold off on taking it until I give my current regimine of Spiro, Estradiol, and Finasteride a little time. Alot of my hair loss followed my accident in 1991. Much of it has since subsided back down to a loss of about 100 hairs per day but it has left me with thin patches one large one on top toward the left side of my head. And if the light hits it right (especially sunlight) it is very noticeable even though there is/are long hairs growing there. I'm just hoping for it to thicken back up a little in these areas. I've been thinking of getting a wig or partial for now to wear while I give my regimen time to work.
I started my hrt regimen 3 days ago and even in this short time I've noticed an increase in energy like no other I've felt. It's like my body's been starving for this for years! I'm finally on my way, -yay!!! :D I haven't felt this good or been this happy in years! ;)
Edited for dosages
Hey there ladies. Please don't post dosages of your HRT. It is one of Susan's main rules.
Good for you Allyda! I felt very good when I started too. It was just a feeling that things were "right." Hard to explain.
Quote from: kathyk on December 29, 2013, 06:58:52 PM
Don't add anything more to regrow hair. The spiro and E along with Finasteride may fix things in your case. And since Dutasteride can have some negative effects on the prostate it's not worth adding it when it may not be necessary.
K
I'm starting HRT next Monday. I have some hair loss (not complete loss) starting from about 3-4 yrs ago. I'm wondering if I should ask for Finasteride?
Quote from: Jamie D on January 01, 2014, 08:25:15 PM
Hey there ladies. Please don't post dosages of your HRT. It is one of Susan's main rules.
Good for you Allyda! I felt very good when I started too. It was just a feeling that things were "right." Hard to explain.
I know. It's like a part of me that has been missing is now back in place.
Sorry I'm new and just forgot. It won't happen again. I'm just so happy and full of energy again! ;)
Hi friends :police:
Let's make one thing perfectly clear...
DO NOT POST DOSAGES
Let's review rule 8 of the Site Terms of Service and rules to live by (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,2.msg27408.html#msg27408)
Quote8. The discussion of hormone replacement therapy(HRT) and it's medications are permitted, with the following limitations:
A. You may not advocate for or against a specific medication or combinations of medication for personal gain. This is strictly prohibited.
B. You may not discuss the means to acquire HRT medications without a prescription. The discussion of self medication without a doctors supervision is prohibited.
C. The discussion of recommended or actual dosages is strongly discouraged to prevent information obtained on this site from being used to self medicate.
We can not in good conscience condone the self administering of these medications. Not only may self medication be illegal, but HRT medications can cause serious health problems, and many have the potential for life-threatening side effects that can only be detected and prevented with proper medical supervision.
Thank you
V M
AgainI apologize. It won't happen again I promise. I'm new and just forgot during my excitement. I understand and have reviewed rule #8 and won't let it happen again.
Quote from: JordanBlue on January 01, 2014, 08:32:11 PM
I'm starting HRT next Monday. I have some hair loss (not complete loss) starting from about 3-4 yrs ago. I'm wondering if I should ask for Finasteride?
I think about 80% of people on finasteride experience some regrowth. I have only been on it for a few weeks.
I asked earlier for help about hair loss and wasn't sure what to do, thinking I've really been losing quite a bit, but now I think it's about normal for a woman. I got it into my head for several weeks that I'm really losing my hair and I kind of started freaking out about it and when I looked at my hairline I wasn't looking at it rationally. Although it's not quite female it's better than I imagined it to be. I've done stupid things like put it into a tight ponytail sometimes, several times in the past for a week straight and I've read that that can be very hard on the scalp and the roots. I've been wearing a ponytail to bed nearly every night too, although somewhat loosely, and I think I'm going to at least leave my hair free four nights a week. I'm sorry if I was whining, but I still have a lot to learn about haircare and hairstyles. (and lots of other things). The more I learn about what it takes for me to be the woman I want to be, the more positive I am that I did the right thing transitioning, even if I did it much later than I wanted to.
I apologize for printing my HRT doses too. It won't happen again. Hugs to the staff and have a great 2014! Mira
Quote from: Miranda Catherine on January 01, 2014, 11:46:55 PM
I'm sorry if I was whining, but I still have a lot to learn about haircare and hairstyles. (and lots of other things). The more I learn about what it takes for me to be the woman I want to be, the more positive I am that I did the right thing transitioning, even if I did it much later than I wanted to.
I apologize for printing my HRT doses too. It won't happen again. Hugs to the staff and have a great 2014! Mira
I too am starting out much later in life than I wanted to so I know a little bit of how you feel. You have lovely hair. I whish mine was that thick. ;)
Hi Allyda,
Thank you for your very sweet compliment! I get mad at myself sometimes over how ignorant I can still be about feminine things, but like you, I didn't start till later in life. After I sat down on New Year's Eve afternoon, I really pulled my hair all the way back and looked objectively at my hair and scalp and realized how far I've blown my hair loss out of proportion. On being ignorant of lots of girl things, I've been finding that some of the tutorials on youtube are indispensable, not only for women like us, but for all sorts of girls and women, because there are some tutorials with 8,000,000 views and more. They're just about braiding, or how to use a curling iron or curlers properly, etc. I watched a few yesterday, and one, called "Sock Curls"/Easy No Heat Curls- by Cute Girl's Hairstyles has had 3,000,000 views and talk about an easy way to get really wonderful curls! There are hundreds or thousands of makeup tutorials, hair coloring tutorials, many of them by the companies who make and market these products, all professionally done videos. And there are really cute, funny videos by 13-17 year old girls who know sooo much about makeup and hair it just blows me away. Allyda, I think I just read that you're just beginning your HRT, and I'm really happy for you. I've been on HRT now for 29 months, the quickest 29 months of my life by far, probably because I've been happier than I ever thought possible. Also, for the first time since I was a child I've been alive and happy about it and I look forward to the next day too. I'm sure it took you a great deal of suffering and heartache to get to the point of HRT, but rarely have I heard or read where a TS woman felt she made the wrong decision in moving forward. Congratulations and God bless you! Once again, thank you for your compliment. Hugs, Mira
Thank you for your wonderful reply Mira. My reason for waiting had to do with family issues more than anything. If anything though these last few years (5 to be exact) have taught me is that I should have went ahead with my transition alot sooner. Because waiting didn't gain me anything or get me anywhere with them. And had I started sooner I wouldn't have these gray facial hairs to deal with -aaaarrrrrrrrgggggghhhhhh!!! I'm getting them but they are a pain. I'm just thankful for my small features and most of all, that women's clothes actually fit my body much better than mens ever did, lol!!
Another thing I'm suprised at is the extra energy I seem to have even though it's only been a few days since starting my hrt. It's like my body's been fighting a hormone war all these years and now the feminine side is gaining ground as I feel much happier and have plenty of energy. Whereas just last week I had to push myself to wake up in the morning. ;)