I have seen lots of conversations on hair loss, but does anyone actually know the science? Is it true that transguys hair loss on T  is most likely to mirror their maternal grandfathers?  And do transguys have slightly more hair loss, or do I just notice it more because I am afraid it will happen to me?

As I understand it, the gene that determines male pattern baldness is located on the X chromosome, so it's simple for cis men, who only have one: if there's baldness on one side of a cis man's mother's family, he has a 50% chance of inheriting it, and if there's baldness on both sides of her family, he has a 100% percent chance.

It's a lot more complicated for a trans guy, who inherits an X chromosome from both of his parents. Not only does that make it harder to calculate the odds, but I doubt that there's enough data from trans guys to explain how their two X chromosomes interact when one carries the gene and the other doesn't.

Another factor, which might help explain your perception that it's common for trans men to lose hair, is that men and women tend to have different hairlines: women's are generally more smooth and rounded, while those of men have more of an M shape. When trans men go on T, their hairlines tend to change to that male pattern, receding at the two sides of the forehead. That doesn't necessarily mean that they're going to go bald, however -- it's just part of the general process of masculinization.

Dunno if this helps -- I hope so.

For extremely in-depth information on this topic, check out:

http://americantransman.com/2010/04/12/beards-baldness-and-whats-in-your-pants/

These were both incredibly helpful responses, thanks guys!  I learned a lot. some  genetic luck of the draw, and if I'm one of the bald-ers, try Rogaine, then maybe finasteride after the DHT has had a chance to do its thing on facial hair and genital growth.

Quote from: Tysilio on October 05, 2014, 10:49:44 PM
As I understand it, the gene that determines male pattern baldness is located on the X chromosome, so it's simple for cis men, who only have one: if there's baldness on one side of a cis man's mother's family, he has a 50% chance of inheriting it, and if there's baldness on both sides of her family, he has a 100% percent chance.

It's a lot more complicated for a trans guy, who inherits an X chromosome from both of his parents. Not only does that make it harder to calculate the odds, but I doubt that there's enough data from trans guys to explain how their two X chromosomes interact when one carries the gene and the other doesn't.

Another factor, which might help explain your perception that it's common for trans men to lose hair, is that men and women tend to have different hairlines: women's are generally more smooth and rounded, while those of men have more of an M shape. When trans men go on T, their hairlines tend to change to that male pattern, receding at the two sides of the forehead. That doesn't necessarily mean that they're going to go bald, however -- it's just part of the general process of masculinization.

Dunno if this helps -- I hope so.

Do you mean 'M' shape as in widow's peak? I've naturally got a very strong one, does that mean my hairline will just sorta stay as it is?

QuoteDo you mean 'M' shape as in widow's peak? I've naturally got a very strong one, does that mean my hairline will just sorta stay as it is?

Yep... widow's peak.

Will yours change? I dunno. My hairline is like that too and always has been -- so far (six-ish months on T) I haven't seen any changes, but if I did, it wouldn't surprise me.