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Community Conversation => Transsexual talk => Male to female transsexual talk (MTF) => Topic started by: negative on February 28, 2010, 02:20:26 PM

Title: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: negative on February 28, 2010, 02:20:26 PM
Hi, I am going to first come out and say that I am a hetrosexual male and have no desire to be change that. However I have a problem that I am sure ya'll deal with alot. That being hairloss.

I have gone through and am still going through very deep depression because of this. To the point that I believe I will end my life if I can not stop this from happening.

I am currently takeing finasteride and spironolactone a day for 2 months. I have been shedding like a dog for a month but it has stoped the recesion. I still have a full head of hair just some temple loss and general thinning.

Has anyone here had experiences with these drugs or other things that have helped them with hairloss that they can please share? I just want to know what is possible with these drugs.


BTW I have very minor hair loss now and would never be destined to be compleately bald ( men in my family typicly go to about a norwood 4) but I desire perfection if possible.
Thank you very much to anyone who posts!

Edited out dosage info - Nicki
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: LynnER on February 28, 2010, 02:28:58 PM
no experience with the first, but some with the second..... If your taking those levels do you still have sexual function, as a male Id think that would be more important to you than a full head of hair. Personally id recommend reducing the stress in your life and considering Bosley or something.... If your not already shooting blanks and having a hard time performing.... you will quite soon.
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Asfsd4214 on February 28, 2010, 02:48:52 PM
Having seen the dosages you listed prior to inevitable removal, I'd say that's actually substantially higher than would normally be used for male pattern baldness.

Spironolactone isn't even usually used for hairloss in men because of its potent antiandrogenic effects.

I'd recommend going to your doctor for advice.

Both drugs can have pretty dangerous side effects that may not be apparent for some time after you start.

As for the effects, as you probably have already researched, male pattern baldness is caused by DHT, finistride inhibits the enzymes that produce DHT thus lowering levels of DHT and in turn reducing hair loss.

They can be very effective in preventing future baldness and limitedly effective in reversing existing hair loss.
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Nicky on February 28, 2010, 02:53:22 PM
Hair loss is a realy tough topic for a lot of men. I can see your anguish and it is driving you to extremes. But I think what you are doing is overkill. You are even talking much more than I am and I am taking them to transform my body. It sounds like you are self medicating.

With the spiro you can expect to lose muscle mass, potentially have some breast growth and have erectile dysfuntion, not to mention in the long term osteoperosus. What you are doing is very hard on the body, it needs sex hormones to operate well. This is also likely to contribute to your depression too and a lack of energy. So I would really stress that you seek professional advise on this.
On spiro you should be getting blood tests to monitor you kidney function too.

I think you should go see a dermatologist and I think you need to see a counsellor too.

Something to consider. It can take a 6 months or more to start seeing good results from Propecia (finasteride). More does not mean better, it is just dangerous for your body. Also once you stop taking it your hairloss will revert. So it is a life time commitment.

Something else to consider is people have good results with hair transplants now too.

Don't give up hope, see a dermatologist about the hairloss. It may not even be caused by male pattern baldness. It sounds like you have caught it early so I think there is a good chance you can keep what you have and maybe even grow some back.

Take care!

To be safer you are probably better off taking a standard dose of propecia and applying rogain twice a day. This will likely give you  results, though just one of these products has been shown to give good results.

Oh one more thing - Picard is sexy.

Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Muffin on February 28, 2010, 06:19:25 PM
Spiro doesn't block the hormones that kill your hair follicles and Finasteride is only half as effective as Avodart (dutasteride), but ask your doctor about Avodart as I'm not sure if it would be safe to take if you're not transitioning, but I'm 99% sure it is. Just to be on the safe side.
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Nicky on February 28, 2010, 06:30:47 PM
Oh yeah. advodart is supposed to be better than finasteride. Can't get it in my country yet...

Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: negative on February 28, 2010, 07:26:45 PM
'

Post Merge: February 28, 2010, 05:37:23 PM

Spironolactone is much more effective for hairloss. I am sure of that. There is alot of studies that show it to block dht at the receptor sites. Also, I believe tstosterone cntributes to hairloss.
I just want to know if anyone here has used these meds and had the results of stoping hairloss or helping things at all. I would think that hairloss would be a big concern for an mtf and that this should be common knowledge on a forum such as this.
I know I don't have anything to contribute to this forum but I need help and not people telling me to get off the meds. Just what to expect mainly regarding hair.
I am ready to accept some side effects btw.

Thanks again.

Post Merge: February 28, 2010, 06:44:24 PM

Oh yeah I used finasteride and a whole lot of topicals for a year and it did not stop my loss.

And as far as dutasteride, it is not very highly regarded on hairloss forums and is typicaly not good for the hair line.

Post Merge: February 28, 2010, 07:56:06 PM

And LynnER, yes I still have good sexual function just not interested as much. Does it get alot worse or what?
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Flan on February 28, 2010, 07:59:35 PM
the kicker with spiro is it reduces *all* sorts of testosterone from being made by the testis, not just DHT from being made like finasteride and dutasteride.

once DHT kills off the hair follicle, it's gone.

Quote from: negative on February 28, 2010, 07:26:45 PM
I am ready to accept some side effects btw.
...
And LynnER, yes I still have good sexual function just not interested as much. Does it get alot worse or what?

like going sterile :P
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Asfsd4214 on February 28, 2010, 08:35:02 PM
Quote from: Muffin on February 28, 2010, 06:19:25 PM
Spiro doesn't block the hormones that kill your hair follicles and Finasteride is only half as effective as Avodart (dutasteride), but ask your doctor about Avodart as I'm not sure if it would be safe to take if you're not transitioning, but I'm 99% sure it is. Just to be on the safe side.

Actually as far as I know spiro does in fact block DHT to a large degree as well. And Finastride isn't so much "half as effective" as it is that it only blocks one type of the two types of 5AR enzyme's. But it blocks the one that's most responsible for converting T to DHT, so it's not as simple as being "half as good".

Spironolactone does exist as a topical formulation specifically for hair loss because it does inhibit DHT's effects.

As for the original poster. You asked if what you're taking will prevent hairloss. The short and simple answer to that is pretty much yes, it will. But it could have very serious other complications as well that you may not be aware of.

Now this is just my understanding and I'm not an endocrinologist so you can take it for what it's worth, but although Spironolactone is "unlikely" to do you much permanent harm, it could cause you to have problems having children, and certainly while you're on it. And there are topical formulations you may want to look into instead. Spironolactone isn't usually prescribed for males because it's a powerful antiandrogen and so does a LOT more than just stops hair loss.

Finastride is the one I would really be concerned about, and I personally won't take it myself.

Finastride is works by inhibiting what's known as the 5AR (mostly type II but I think type I is also effected to a degree) enzyme. the 5AR enzyme converts the testosterone to DHT, and DHT causes hair loss in high enough levels. Which is the cause of male pattern baldness.

Now that's all well and good, but the problem comes in that 5AR enzymes don't "only" convert T to DHT, it also converts progestrone to allopregnanolone and at least one other conversion I can't remember, which despite the fact progestrone is a "female" hormone, it also has a role in your physiology too. There's plenty of stuff you can find on google if you want the rest of the boring technical details, but let me cut to the point and say that there is a large and growing body of evidence of 5AR inhibitors like finastride and dutastride causing serious neurological side effects including depression, "mind fog" and minor speech problems, among others.

What you are doing could have serious long term consequences and at the very least you should go and consult with a doctor.
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: negative on February 28, 2010, 08:37:42 PM
Yes I could come to terms with going sterile if it meens I will be able to keep my hair. Hairloss cause it's own sexual side effects if you know what I meen.

I think this whole thing has caused me to develope a mild case of bdd.

This time last year I was 170 pounds and had very little fat on my body and a super thick head of hair, I was really happy with myself. Now I can't stop obsessing over my hair and I don't do alot of the things I use to. Now I weigh 160 and have lost some muscle tone. Due to depression not the meds.
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: pebbles on February 28, 2010, 08:44:42 PM
Quote from: negative on February 28, 2010, 07:26:45 PM
'

Post Merge: February 28, 2010, 05:37:23 PM

Spironolactone is much more effective for hairloss. I am sure of that. There is alot of studies that show it to block dht at the receptor sites. Also, I believe tstosterone cntributes to hairloss.
I just want to know if anyone here has used these meds and had the results of stoping hairloss or helping things at all. I would think that hairloss would be a big concern for an mtf and that this should be common knowledge on a forum such as this.
I know I don't have anything to contribute to this forum but I need help and not people telling me to get off the meds. Just what to expect mainly regarding hair.
I am ready to accept some side effects btw.

Thanks again.

Post Merge: February 28, 2010, 06:44:24 PM

Oh yeah I used finasteride and a whole lot of topicals for a year and it did not stop my loss.

And as far as dutasteride, it is not very highly regarded on hairloss forums and is typicaly not good for the hair line.
Principle of Diminishing Returns... Most inhibition of MPB could be stopped by blocking DHT you might get a few advantages from blocking T but you will get exponentially more side effects than inhibition.

You might experience slight regrowth by slight any hair you've lost in the past 6 months you may or may not get that back.
you ought to stop any further loss, but it would be subject to the same conditions of any gains you got on your DHT blockers stopping results in reversal of gains.

Spiro dosen't bind with DHT sites to my knowledge although it would reduce via other ways... it works by begin indistinguishable from Testosterone thus your body thinks it's suffering T overload and stops its own production to bring the level down. Not using the glands and having no T to fuel there functions results in eventual atrophy and shrinkage from non-use... this will most likely in time become irreversible. Infertility and body builders testicles the size of peanuts.

If you don't replace T with something your at high risk of bone de calcification.
Thought you should know.
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Asfsd4214 on February 28, 2010, 08:48:11 PM
Quote from: negative on February 28, 2010, 08:37:42 PM
Yes I could come to terms with going sterile if it meens I will be able to keep my hair. Hairloss cause it's own sexual side effects if you know what I meen.

I think this whole thing has caused me to develope a mild case of bdd.

This time last year I was 170 pounds and had very little fat on my body and a super thick head of hair, I was really happy with myself. Now I can't stop obsessing over my hair and I don't do alot of the things I use to. Now I weigh 160 and have lost some muscle tone. Due to depression not the meds.

Did the depression start before the meds? Because hormone deficiency and 5AR inhibitors (the result of spiro and fin respectively) both have links to depression.

Loss of muscle tone is also an extremely likely side effect of spironolactone because androgens enable you to maintain muscle mass better.

But in either case, lets say they're nothing to do with the meds. Finastride as Propecia is a hair loss prevention drug, and spironolactone as a topical formula exists for that purpose too. What you're doing is very dangerous and you may not start to experience the more severe potential side effects for several more months. Also some of the side effects linked to 5AR inhibitors like Finastride and Dutastride last for a long period of time after discontinuing the medication.

Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: negative on February 28, 2010, 08:48:24 PM
Ashley, thank you for that.

So in general, there does not seem to ever be a problem with mtf girls not being able to stop hairloss with fin and spiro? Does it at least thicken to any extent?

I know I could have side effect but the way my brain is wired I can not tolerate any further hairloss at this time in my life. I would spiral into a deep depresion and probably kill myself. Thats just how I feel.
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: pebbles on February 28, 2010, 08:55:17 PM
Quote from: negative on February 28, 2010, 08:48:24 PMSo in general, there does not seem to ever be a problem with mtf girls not being able to stop hairloss with fin and spiro? Does it at least thicken to any extent?
In my case it actually made it finer and lighter fluffier but more well behaved and ALOT less greasy and no dandruff problems.

Not really thicker.
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: negative on February 28, 2010, 08:55:39 PM
Pebbles, No I did not know that about the bone decalsification. That worries me a little.  So the testical will atrophy down to the size of peanuts?! How long does that take?
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Asfsd4214 on February 28, 2010, 09:01:25 PM
Quote from: pebbles on February 28, 2010, 08:44:42 PM
Spiro dosen't bind with DHT sites to my knowledge although it would reduce via other ways... it works by begin indistinguishable from Testosterone thus your body thinks it's suffering T overload and stops its own production to bring the level down. Not using the glands and having no T to fuel there functions results in eventual atrophy and shrinkage from non-use... this will most likely in time become irreversible. Infertility and body builders testicles the size of peanuts.

If you don't replace T with something your at high risk of bone de calcification.
Thought you should know.

You're absolutely right about bone density as far as I know. However spironolactone works (as I understand it) by being an androgen antagonist. It is structurally similar to androgens like T and DHT, and so binds to receptors, but doesn't provoke the effects T and DHT do, competing with them and thus reducing their effect. Which I think also inhibits the production of T to begin with to a degree.
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: negative on February 28, 2010, 09:02:27 PM
Pebbles thank you for sharing your experience.

Ashley, yes the depression started before the meds. I remember being at the gym and looking in the the mirror, I noticed my bangs were thinning . I remember also seeing a look of almost terror on my face to see a change.
Topical spiro is a waste of time IMO. I feel I have to stop this to get my life back on track.


Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Flan on February 28, 2010, 09:02:40 PM
effects (of atrophy) start after a couple (2-3) months and (the testis) gets smaller over time. after 6 months the effects start to get permanent, and after a year, don't count of them doing much anymore.
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Asfsd4214 on February 28, 2010, 09:09:05 PM
Quote from: negative on February 28, 2010, 08:55:39 PM
Pebbles, No I did not know that about the bone decalsification. That worries me a little.  So the testical will atrophy down to the size of peanuts?! How long does that take?

It can take a while, it varies but I wanna say... a yearish? Maybe more maybe less?

Quote from: negative on February 28, 2010, 08:48:24 PM
Ashley, thank you for that.

So in general, there does not seem to ever be a problem with mtf girls not being able to stop hairloss with fin and spiro? Does it at least thicken to any extent?

I know I could have side effect but the way my brain is wired I can not tolerate any further hairloss at this time in my life. I would spiral into a deep depresion and probably kill myself. Thats just how I feel.

Really it shouldn't be too big a problem with spiro alone. If T and DHT is within a female range or below their shouldn't be any male pattern baldness.

It can be extremely hard to see when you're feeling depressed, but it's not impossible your depression is caused by something else making it harder to deal with hair loss, rather than the other way around. I'm not saying it is or it isn't but you may want to see a therapist if you're having depression problems, no matter what the reason.

As for hair loss, I really think you should see a doctor if you haven't already. The drugs you're taking, and particularly the amount you're taking, is likely higher than need be and certainly carries some pretty significant risks that may not become apparent for some time.

A doctor can explain to you the options better than we can, but there's nothing abnormal with men taking Propecia (finastride) for hair loss prevention. That's what it's for.

Spironolactone on the other hand is very broad in its antiandrogenic properties, and should only be given in high dosage pill form to males in pretty specific circumstances, of which hair loss isn't one.
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: negative on February 28, 2010, 09:11:38 PM
Quote from: FlanHusky on February 28, 2010, 09:02:40 PM
effects (of atrophy) start after a couple (2-3) months and (the testis) gets smaller over time. after 6 months the effects start to get permanent, and after a year, don't count of them doing much anymore.

How do you know this? Any science behind it?

Not trying to be a smart a$$ btw. Just a question.
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Asfsd4214 on February 28, 2010, 09:12:25 PM
It sounds like you should really go see a therapist if you're not already. Not that your hairloss isn't legitimate cause for distress, but your ability to deal with it could be an issue unto itself.

Post Merge: February 28, 2010, 09:14:01 PM

Quote from: negative on February 28, 2010, 09:11:38 PM
How do you know this? Any science behind it?

Not trying to be a smart a$$ btw. Just a question.

Testosterone is extremely important in the maintainence of the male reproductive system. Without it it will start to stop working and begin to atrophy as a result.
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: negative on February 28, 2010, 09:19:04 PM
Ashley, I would love to speak to a knowledgable doctor but I can't seem to find one. The last one I saw told me, "No, spironolactone is just a potassium sparing diuretic", he had no idea that it was an antiandrogen.

I just don't want to be hasty in getting off of it because I could lose more hair.

Anybody else have experiences with their hair on these meds?

Post Merge: February 28, 2010, 09:21:32 PM

[/quote]
Testosterone is extremely important in the maintainence of the male reproductive system. Without it it will start to stop working and begin to atrophy as a result.
[/quote]

The penis as well?
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Flan on February 28, 2010, 09:22:24 PM
Quote from: negative on February 28, 2010, 09:11:38 PM
How do you know this? Any science behind it?

Not trying to be a smart a$$ btw. Just a question.
...
The penis as well?

personal experience and that of other women in transition, obviously it varies by person to person, but that's a general time-frame.

and yes, the penis will atrophy if erections are not encouraged, it takes longer for that to happen. (I can't quote times since it's a per person thing)
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: negative on February 28, 2010, 09:24:44 PM
FlanHusky, Dang thats fast, is that all you took, Spiro and fin?
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Asfsd4214 on February 28, 2010, 09:25:11 PM
Quote from: negative on February 28, 2010, 09:19:04 PM
Ashley, I would love to speak to a knowledgable doctor but I can't seem to find one. The last one I saw told me, "No, spironolactone is just a potassium sparing diuretic", he had no idea that it was an antiandrogen.

I just don't want to be hasty in getting off of it because I could lose more hair.

Anybody else have experiences with their hair on these meds?

A lot of doctors don't know much, it can take a few goes to find one who does, unfortunately.

I don't have much experience with hair loss personally, but my understanding is that although you can prevent further hairloss with 5AR inhibitors like finastride, regrowth is very variable, it depends of the follicles have actually died yet or are just suppressed. Only time can tell. If the hair loss is pretty minimal, a hair transplant could be a very effective option.

In theory, you could with spironolactone alone prevent further hair loss, but you would suffer side effects of hormone deficiency, the worst of which is osteoporosis. You simply couldn't keep doing it in the long term. The body needs sex hormones, either estrogens or androgens. Finastride is also very commonly prescribed to men to prevent hair loss, and not everyone experiences the side effects I mentioned before.
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Flan on February 28, 2010, 09:26:17 PM
Quote from: negative on February 28, 2010, 09:24:44 PM
FlanHusky, Dang thats fast, is that all you took, Spiro and fin?
just spiro and estrogen (to replace lost sex steroids)

(random edit as excuse to post picture)
sharps box, I love/hate thee (this is what happens if sex steroids are suppressed, some sort of supplementation)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg709.imageshack.us%2Fimg709%2F6869%2Fp1000856h.jpg&hash=a5eeb0ca137afe12b901e42d1eaa66aa2d711d43)
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Asfsd4214 on February 28, 2010, 09:27:21 PM
Quote from: negative on February 28, 2010, 09:19:04 PM



The penis as well?

It will likely decrease in visible size over time, getting an erection may become more difficult too as the sex drive largely runs on testosterone.
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Muffin on February 28, 2010, 10:08:03 PM
If you're not transitioning then I'd stay well away from spiro HONESTLY it is not for you. IF you are looking to treat hair loss then Finasteride and Dutasteride are more than fine and will give you results, they just take a long time and will not give you back perfect hair but it's the best way...  a lot better than spiro which will effect too much of the rest of your body. I'm sure you don't want breast buds forming after some time, seriously no spiro IMHO.

Also I'd recommend rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar (mixed with water) after shampooing/conditioning, it balancing the pH of your hair, helps close cuticles and cleanses the follicles which is also a cause for hairloss. I've been doing it for awhile how and will never consider stopping, the benefits are awesome. My hair has never been so shiny, smooth and healthy :P
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Myself on March 01, 2010, 12:56:49 AM
Someone said reduce stress in your life.. I am sorry, that is most likely not going to help you at all.. It is most likely as with most men that it is just genetic reaction to your natural male hormones produced by your body, but you probably know that already, this is why you are taking a medicine to fix it.

While not being on Avodart of Fin, but Androcur, Androcur does have a similar mechanism at these levels.

Testosterone converts to DHT, Androcur kills Testosterone, reducing the material converted to DHT, at these levels by even 90% or more maybe.

Fin and Avodart kill an enzyme which converts Testosterone to DHT, therefore serum testosterone should increase but DHT should be really low.

DHT as we know is the mechanism that kills the hair.
Anyways me personally only had some loss of hair in the temples, but tiny tiny bit.
Since antiandrogens my hair completely or almost completely returned after about a year or two and I think the tiny bit that;s left is growing back in I think.. and hope...

But you need to consider the negative effects of these medicine on your sexual functionality.
Also, many men report depression, but it might be a side effect of the sexual dis-functionality which sometimes comes with it, rather than a direct effect.

Consult a doctor before use ;)
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: LynnER on March 01, 2010, 05:56:26 AM
Oh, and if you didn't know it. Spiro is more than an AA and potassium sparing diuretic. It's generally prescribed to women for hypertension and heart conditions....  your taking heart medication for your hair loss.... think about it.

And spiro will kill your male sex organs fairly quickly, 6 months to a year before you've done permanent damage to yourself. We know this how?  Simple, years and years of comparing notes with each other on this site about the effects of the different drugs we've been subjected to. Seriously, Bosley is probably your best option....
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Asfsd4214 on March 01, 2010, 06:48:08 PM
Quote from: LynnER on March 01, 2010, 05:56:26 AM
Oh, and if you didn't know it. Spiro is more than an AA and potassium sparing diuretic. It's generally prescribed to women for hypertension and heart conditions....  your taking heart medication for your hair loss.... think about it.

No offense, but that's the same as saying you're taking a prostate cancer medication for hair loss, which is one of the things Finastride is used for. And yet it's also marketed SPECIFICALLY for hair loss under the trade name Propecia. So that argument really holds no weight.
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Nicky on March 01, 2010, 08:14:36 PM
Well, I think Negative has done a lot of homework. I think what you will find is there are no definits in this. Hormones seem to affect people differently at different doses, which is why monitoring is considered important.

I hope things work out for you. I would ask you to review the level of dosages you are taking, they did sound really high to me (not that I am a doctor), and I don't think there is much benefit in using more than you need to, it just increases the risk of side effects. My endo says just spiro will not make me permanantly sterile, in theory (no definits here). But it will reduce your fertility.

Rogain is supposed to be good for the hairline itself.

I for one have been on just finasteride and spiro for about 3 months or so (much lower doses than yourself). My gear still works, no atrophy, though I struggle to get it up outside of sex and my sex drive has diminished significantly. I also have some muscle loss, and some breast growth to date.

Definitly consider seeking treatment for depression or at least investigating this, the hairloss may have just been a trigger but you might find fixing the hair does not fix the depression. If you have been thinking about suicide then definitly something is not right.
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: negative on March 01, 2010, 09:28:12 PM
First off, Thank you all for your help. :)

Myself, Thank you for shareing your experience.

LynnER, from what I understand, spironolactone is generally safe. But for men it carries risks of sexual side effects and gynecomastia. I am incline to believe that you are exagerating a little on the side effects. I have experienced almost no side effects with 2 months on a high dose and some time before that on a lower dose. Regardless if that is what you believe then I thank you for your concern.

Nicky, I will consider treatment for depression and or BDD.I will also consider lowering my dose slightly, after a month or two.

O.K. if it is fine by ya'll I would like to hear some more people tell me about the experiences they have had with scalp hair while useing oral antiandrogens. Like how long did it take to get regrowth if any, if it failed to halt hair loss , etc.

Many thanks.
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Muffin on March 01, 2010, 10:20:42 PM
Negative could you please explain why you are considering spiro for hair loss treatment? I'm a little baffled by this. In my understanding other hair treatment medications are much more suitable for hair regrowth without all the other effects on testosterone that spiro has. Spiro effects more than just the testosterone that effects hair follicles. If you're not transitioning then there is zero reason to consider it. Consider medication that is designed to specifically concentrate on just the testosterone that is converted to DHT. IMHHHHO.

And I'm a little shocked that people that claim to know about spiro here are still suggesting it :S Negative is NOT transitioning :S
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: negative on March 01, 2010, 10:36:31 PM
Androgenetic alopecia is what I have. My hair follicals are sensitive to all androgens not just dihydrotestosterone. DHT is the most harmfull because it has 5 times the affinity to bind to the androgen reseptors in my hair folilcals vs. testosterone.
Finasteride and dutaseride are 5 alph reductase inhibitors. They prevent test from converting to dht via the 5ar enzyme. Test increases and the receptors are left unprotected and can upregulat to compensate for the drop in dht.
Spironolactone succesfully compeats for the dht reseptor sites as well as other androgens. Spiro decreases test levels significantly but not all together by far. So it is still reasonably safe for me to use.
These two drugs complement each other on the way they work. Fin reduces dht, spiro blocks it at the reseptor sites( as well as other androgens).

Men on hairloss boards (though very few) have used this drug for hairloss only for years with no major problems an I believe them.

This makes it a good choice for me because it is highly likely to work and reasonably safe.


Anyone who can share experiences? Please.

Post Merge: March 01, 2010, 11:11:29 PM

A user of hairlosshelp posted his blood test results of sex hormones over the course of his use of spiro and fin. The results were not really not bad. I would post them but I don't feel like it right now.
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Asfsd4214 on March 02, 2010, 03:16:24 AM
Quote from: negative on March 01, 2010, 10:36:31 PM
Androgenetic alopecia is what I have. My hair follicals are sensitive to all androgens not just dihydrotestosterone. DHT is the most harmfull because it has 5 times the affinity to bind to the androgen reseptors in my hair folilcals vs. testosterone.
Finasteride and dutaseride are 5 alph reductase inhibitors. They prevent test from converting to dht via the 5ar enzyme. Test increases and the receptors are left unprotected and can upregulat to compensate for the drop in dht.
Spironolactone succesfully compeats for the dht reseptor sites as well as other androgens. Spiro decreases test levels significantly but not all together by far. So it is still reasonably safe for me to use.
These two drugs complement each other on the way they work. Fin reduces dht, spiro blocks it at the reseptor sites( as well as other androgens).

Men on hairloss boards (though very few) have used this drug for hairloss only for years with no major problems an I believe them.

This makes it a good choice for me because it is highly likely to work and reasonably safe.


Anyone who can share experiences? Please.

Post Merge: March 01, 2010, 11:11:29 PM

A user of hairlosshelp posted his blood test results of sex hormones over the course of his use of spiro and fin. The results were not really not bad. I would post them but I don't feel like it right now.

It's entirely possible you could take these drugs in the long term with side effects you can live with, however it's not good for your health to be hormone deficient, and your bone density would be a real concern.

But you need to see a doctor about it.

As to your question, the answer is pretty simple. If your androgen levels are low enough, which you can only find out with a blood test. Then no, you will not loose any more hair, and yes, you might get a degree of regrowth from affected areas (but then again, you also might not).

That's pretty much the situation.

I highly recommend you see a doctor, you are putting your health at risk more so than you need to be.

Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Nicky on March 02, 2010, 01:51:54 PM
I started thinking on the crown of my head. It was not really noticable to anyone else except for me and the hair dresser. I went to a dermatologist and he said it was thinning but I was in very early stages (Male pattern baldness), the hairs were getting thinner (most of my hair had a rough texture, the stuff on the crown was feeling smooth and thinner).

I have been on propecia about 5 months and spiro for about 3. In that time hair loss seems to have stopped. The hair on my crown seems a bit more fuller. I still think it is early days, but it does seem to have improved.

Hope this is useful info.

(I'm not recomending spiro either, especially without supervision, but it sounds like you got to do what you got to do and I believe  you are making an informed decision here.)

Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Randi on March 02, 2010, 03:24:19 PM
I recall reading somewhere that Spiro increases levels of LDL cholesterol (bad). If you have any measure of high LDL this might be one of the greatest contra-indicators for using this substance. Be careful-hormone use can be dangerous.

Randi
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: negative on March 06, 2010, 07:47:09 PM
Would I get more replies/anecdotes on the HRT forum?
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: Starscrash on March 06, 2010, 09:03:10 PM
Quote from: negative on March 06, 2010, 07:47:09 PM
Would I get more replies/anecdotes on the HRT forum?
Not to be rude, but I think you've gotten plenty of replies, they're just not the ones that you wanted. 
Title: Re: Antiandrogen effects on scalp hair
Post by: negative on March 06, 2010, 09:43:43 PM
Yes I have gotten alot of replies but only three people tell me what it did for their hair, one of which I think did not have AGA.

I ended up having to defend my decision to take the meds more than anything and that is not what this thread was about. I just know that alot of people here have used these drugs and if they would not mind I would like to hear what it did for them in the long term.

I don't think it would be too much trouble for a few more people to share their experience, if it were me I would not mind at all. :)