Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Liv_J on August 11, 2018, 04:29:07 PM

Title: Minoxidil and hormones
Post by: Liv_J on August 11, 2018, 04:29:07 PM
Hi there. I'm planning on starting with oestrogen and anti-androgens soon. I have been using 5% minoxidil with the aim of minimising hair loss, but it's only intended for people who are physically male. I am unsure if it's safe or useful to continue using it, but am also not sure if it's a good idea to stop cold turkey in case some hairs fall out. Any thoughts on this? Thanks.
Title: Re: Minoxidil and hormones
Post by: ChrissyRyan on August 11, 2018, 04:40:50 PM
Quote from: Liv_J on August 11, 2018, 04:29:07 PM
Hi there. I'm planning on starting with oestrogen and anti-androgens soon. I have been using 5% minoxidil with the aim of minimising hair loss, but it's only intended for people who are physically male. I am unsure if it's safe or useful to continue using it, but am also not sure if it's a good idea to stop cold turkey in case some hairs fall out. Any thoughts on this? Thanks.


It is good to ask.  Consult your physician for medical advice about this. 

A 3% minoxidil solution is available, if I remember correctly.  I use none of any strength. 

Better to be safe than sorry!

Best of life to you!
Title: Re: Minoxidil and hormones
Post by: nikkiannukts on August 11, 2018, 06:51:07 PM
Liv,

I am on both an anti-androgen regime and estrogen.  My doctor is aware that I am using Rogaine 5% and seems unconcerned at this point.

I take Dutasetride and Spiro as AAs alongside an topical estrogen.   Doctor seems fine with it.

Nikki
Title: Re: Minoxidil and hormones
Post by: josie76 on August 11, 2018, 09:21:31 PM
Minoxidil works by encouraging blood vessels to allow more flow so the hairs keep growing. The risk that 5% lists for women is increased facial hair growth. Since most of us are doing laser or electrolysis I would guess that shouldn't be a problem.

I was trying it on my widows peaks. It did make the fine hairs seem to grow longer but I don't think any ever switched over to being terminal hairs. When I quit they seemed to fade away more.
Title: Re: Minoxidil and hormones
Post by: Dani on August 11, 2018, 09:34:04 PM
Minoxidil is effective for women who have thinning hair and for men with male pattern baldness at the back and top of the head.  Women use 2% and men use 5% Minoxidil.

For women especially do not let any Minoxidil run down onto your face because with repeated exposure some hair may start to grow wherever the Minoxidil has been.
Title: Re: Minoxidil and hormones
Post by: Rachel on August 12, 2018, 06:35:35 PM
I was on E and AA and 5% minoxidil for years and my doctor knew. I was also on finasteride for years which I discontinued because of one of the potential side effects which is a small potential increased of suicidal ideation. At the time I did not need any suicidal ideation help, I had plenty.