Hi everyone, being my first post and all I will do a quick intro.
Before that I have to say this site is amazing and has already helped me soooo much just from reading other people posts and comments, given me a bit more stomach for what is ahead.
I'm 33 now, live in Australia, pre everything and have decided to start my journey - actually to be honest I didn't really decide anything, its been a crazy week for me, anxious as hell and not much sleep, its as if all the lights in my head turned green all at once. I came very close to starting transition twice a few years ago, but was not in the right place financially or mentally.

Anyway I have an appointment tomorrow with my local GLBTG clinic to discuss options moving forward and so forth.
I have a few concerns though, I used to pass about 5 years ago without too much effort but that seems a while ago now, not sure how much things physically change between those ages.
One thing that has changed for sure is my hair and hairline, I am not bald but it sure has become quite thin, especially at the back, the is about a fist size very thinning spot, there is still hair there its just ultra fine, same for my hairline which has pushed back a bit. I looked through a few photo's and it seems this is all fairly recent, last 3 years. So my plan so far is this, I was going to ask the Doc for either Dutasteride or a combo of Finesteride and Sprio plus all the usual retin A and Rogaine too. My question is has anyone been in the same situation and managed to grow hair back? I really really really do not want to wear a wig so much so that it could make me question my going forward. The other thing was I need to save like crazy for about a year so I can get hair transplant surgery for my hairline, to fill in the widows peak and hopefully just thicken any other part that the above pills didn't fix. I read somewhere here in the forums if there are still fine hairs growing and its recent its possibly reversible?

Anyone have any thoughts on this? I would like to get myself as healthy as possible before starting HRT, try and fix/grow out the hair I do have and also save the money for the hair surgery. All this is going to take about a year taking me to 34 before I start HRT, I really would rather start now but at the same time I want to do this the right way, with all the parts set in place. Is it a good idea to start taking the Finesteride and Sprio combo for the year before I start HRT?
The reason I ask is because the Sprio should stop any further male development that will occur in that year, saying that I don't know how much change there is at 33 to 34 in a year?
To be honest I am not even sure the doctor will prescribe Spiro, might need therapist approval? or is that only for HRT?

I guess I also have the usual "I feel scared starting now cause I'm not in my 20's"  and afraid I may not pass so easy. Are there others here who started around 33 or 34? If so I would love to hear how it was, is it a good time still to transition? Did the hormones have much effect? I read somewhere under 35 has a good general success rate for being able to pass still, not sure how much truth there is to it. I do also know its down to the genes and dependent on the individual but I would love to hear from others in that age group who went through.

Thanks in advanced, I will post again to say what happens tomorrow at the clinic.
Sorry I know its a big post with lots of jumbled questions, i was just writing as it fell out of my head - its a crazy time things seem to be going at a hundred miles per hour.

Miya

Heya Miya, welcome to the forums.

I'm glad we were able to help, if you need advice for anything don't hesitate to ask.

Your hair may or may not grow back, testosterone damage for scalp hair does seem to be more stubborn to repair through HRT than other testosterone damage. It's not impossible, however. I use a combination of Finasteride + Spiro, I have widows peaks that do seem to be growing in, but very slow.

I was one of the more fortunate ones to start transitioning in my 20s, so that helps me considerably I'm sure. But in my experience, scalp hair is hard to grow back, but body hair seems easy to thin out.

Hello Miya,
Welcome to Susan's.
I started transitioning at 59 and now after a year and a half on HRT.
I pass even without makeup.
Hon you will most likely do fine in transitioning.
I wish you the best on your meeting.
Remember don't push to hard but just take one step at a time.
So glad to meet you.
Hugs,
Jillieann

Hi Miya,

I'm Cindy in Adelaide, there are quite a few Aussie girls at Susan's and many of us chat often. Some people seem to get good hair growth and others don't. But there are transplants and other ways around it.

Hope the session goes well and don't be shy .

Cindy

Hi Miya. I'm 57 and in country Victoria. Welcome aboard.

I have been on HRT for just over 3 months now and have definitely noticed my hair growing back where it was getting thin on top. I don't know whether it is actual regrowth, which is supposed to be impossible, or those about to fall out being saved, as well as completely new hairs growing. 

I wear a side and fringe hairpiece, which is an almost perfect match for my hair colour.  Even the hairdresser didn't believe it was not mine until I took it off.  I got it from "Princess Avenue" in Chapel Street in Melbourne. Price was reasonable too. (they are on the Web)  It attaches with clips and stays in place even with repeatedly taking my motorcycle helmet off during the day. I only take it off to sleep now.

My Endo didn't prescribe Spiro, just a contraceptive, and it seems to be doing a good job. The Boob Fairy has started paying a visit too!  I would be inclined to go for facial hair removal first,  rather than the scalp hair, as laser takes a few months, and makes a big difference to the amount of make-up needed to look ok. Also although it is not cheap, it is a lot less than a transplant.

Once  HRT does stabilise the scalp situation, you won't have to worry about further hair loss sabotaging the transplants you have had.  Which should make it cheaper when you do get it done.  That's my plan anyway.

Hope everything went well with the psych.  I get good value from mine, he has helped me understand myself a lot, as well as provide contacts and tips.

Karen.