Hi guys,
Previously I have opened a topic but I still have ongoing problems so I wanted to ask support from you all. I am a tgirl from Turkey who is 21 years old. I am on hrt for almost a year with transitioning doses of estrogen and antiandrogen. Additionally I have been using progestrone for the last 2 months and dht blocker for the last 6 months. But I still loose hair. I am afraid the hormon regimen is not working for my hairs. What can I do? Any suggestions? Thank you
Hello there
My first question is whether your testosterone levels are being properly lowered by the medications you are taking. Then I'd ask about the DHT blocker. While Finasteride used to be considered the most effective one, many professionals now consider Dutasteride to be superior.
There are other possible causes you might want to look at, such as your general health and levels of key trace nutrients. And finally (in my limited knowledge), there is the possibility that it could be an autoimmune issue - a cis friend of mine has this problem.
Good luck investigating - hope you fix it!
Regards
Julia
Direnorcan,
I'm also struggling with hair loss. I've been doing whatever I can to turn the around before starting HRT. In addition to what Julia brought up, there there are more than one potential cause; stress, genetic predisposition toward sensitivity, hormonal regulation, nutrients, or more likely some proprietary blend of the bunch. I like to do the layering approach and do whatever I possibly can in hopes that something will help. What are you taking specifically to promote hair growth? I would recommend at least using the big 3 products in unison for the best results.
Finasteride - probably the most important as it actually inhibits 5-alpha reductose from converting testosterone to DHT. Don't bother with over the counter blockers, they barely work and cost far more if you're taking the generic prescription instead of propecia. Some people say this is redundant if you are taking T-blockers, but DHT is far more potent than regular old testosterone and can still mount up and there is evidence that estrogen present alongside testosterone can actually increase DHT production, so if your levels are fluctuating outside of typical female range, then your DHT could potentially still be playing a role. It's not too uncommon to see Finasteride being used along with other anti-androgens for this reason. Typical dose for hair growth is usually around 1mg but it's something you should discuss with your GP or dermatologist.
Minoxidil 5% get on this right away if you aren't already. The foam is easier to use than the liquid and isn't as greasy but I feel like the liquid absorbs into the scalp better. When used alone, this tends to produce more so just fine hair, and typically in the vertex region. It's a nice tool for slowing balding on its own and I've used it with some success for years before I decided to up my game. I'm confident that if I hadn't started taking this when I was 20, I would have been totally bald shortly after as my Grandpa, Dad, and Brother were all almost totally bald by that age. Use it once in the morning and once at night.
Ketoconazal 1%: you can find this ingredient in hair treatment shampoo such as Nizoral. It's primary purpose is as an anti-fungus that reduces inflammatory swelling and dandruff. There is evidence that it also aids in hair regrowth in small amounts on its own, but with more success when paired with the above two treatments. Recommend use I a typically every other day or about 3 times per week. It can cause some itching shortly after use but should subside quickly.
Additionally, I take a hair thickening gel that is supposed to help increase actual strand thickness over time as well as help to provide some immediate results. I started this in recommendation from a friend who was taking just this for his thinning hair and had results in about 6 months. It's not marketed to regrow hair, but hair loss occured when the follicle's diameter consistently decreases until death, so it stands to reason that it won't bring hair that is already gone back, but may help by thickening the actual follicles that are diminished to the point of not being viable.
I'm also experimenting with apple cider vinegar & trace minerals. I take them both orally and topically once per day. Supposedly, trace minerals such as sulfur and silica can be very beneficial in hair care, but aren't readily available in most multivitamins like biotin and folic acid are. The ACV is Bragg's with the mother (probiotics) and is again, supposed to help sooth the scalp, decrease inflammation, and promote growth. I started on the ACV/trace mineral blend while on just minoxidil (which I've been on for years) about 4 months ago and started seeing the first signs of sprouting around Christmas 2016 just before I added the ketoconazal . I got on Finasteride a month ago tomorrow so I know it hasn't started yielding results yet. I honestly believe the initial regrowth I'm seeing were from the ACV. I usually spray some of the blend (diluted with water) on my scalp and massage it in front a few minutes, then leave it in for 30-60 minutes and wash it out well. I'm documenting my progress with monthly pictures and once I get a few more months under my belt, I will start posting images.
I hope some of this helps. The key is being patient. Additionally, if you are growing out your hair, it might just feel like you are still balding because of the changes in the way the strands fall. Give it time and see what happens!
Something to consider, although I cannot say that it is your situation, is that hair loss is more prominent when it is longer. I thought I've been losing hair as I can find pieces of it all over the place... on the floor, and in the drain of the shower! I know it's still stressful, but you might be okay.
Thyroid function test...easy enough next time you get your bloods done then ask for it to be checked...if it is out of whack you will most likely get hair loss according to my hair transplant surgeon....
Liz