I'm looking into starting T, but I want to take DHT blockers of some kind immediately to prevent hair loss (my hair is the only thing I like about myself, and hair loss runs heavily on both sides of my family). Is this something doctors are likely to allow? My main concern is, what effects of T will I not be able to get if I'm blocking DHT the whole time? The main things I'm interested in are deepening my voice, increasing bone density, and getting an adam's apple (if I'm one of the lucky people who does get one). Sorry if there's already a discussion about this; I couldn't find anything
You would need to discuss that with your doctor but I suspect you would be permitted to have a DHT blocker pretty early. The MTFs start DHT blockers early on if they have hair loss and I have seen other FTMs receiving blockers for hair issues.
Look on Chase Ross's youtube channel. I believe he talks in at least a few videos about taking Finasteride for hair loss. That might be something to ask your doctor about.
I'm curious to know about this too. I'm about to start T very soon and I'm most concerned about losing my hair (I'm nearly 40, and the men on my Dad's side went bald young, while on my Mom's side the men have kept their hair). My GP who regularly treats trans patients suggested to start taking Finasteride right away or very early on. Thing is, I know that's supposed counter the DHT that does the other good things T can do. So I'm not sure if it blocks all or partial or what.
I've read about other guys starting T and going on Finasteride later, but I don't want to lose any hair to test it, you know?
Did any of you have bad acne like going through puberty acne when you started taking T? If so, how long is the acne supposed to last? I hope not forever.
Quote from: connorlb14 on April 28, 2017, 04:31:26 AM
Did any of you have bad acne like going through puberty acne when you started taking T? If so, how long is the acne supposed to last? I hope not forever.
It's different for everyone depending on genetics and what kinds of foods you eat. For me I noticed acne very early on starting T (I've always had mild acne but it increased a lot on T) and still have it now. I tried to just use soap to clear it up, then over the counter acne cream now am on prescription antibiotics and acne gel and can finally see an improvement. Although I think it had very slightly started to clear up on its own before I started antibiotics a month ago.
Quote from: connorlb14 on April 28, 2017, 04:31:26 AM
Did any of you have bad acne like going through puberty acne when you started taking T? If so, how long is the acne supposed to last? I hope not forever.
How long did it last during your first puberty? That's pretty much what you can expect. Mine had literally just started to settle out at age 25. So I'm mentally prepared for another 15 years with bad skin. All you can really do is manage it as best you can.
Most people say that the effects of T maximize at 5 years on T, so perhaps by then your skin would have settled down.